Consultations

In an effort to create a more unified audiovisual experience across campus, we are now working with departments to develop AV systems that meet their functional needs while matching the familiar experience in the general assignment classrooms we already support.

Benefits of standardizing equipment and user interfaces:

• Faculty, staff, and students can move among classrooms, conference rooms, and huddle spaces without re-learning how to interact with the technology.
• Replacement (hot-swap) inventories can be established and maintained more efficiently.
• System maintenance, service, and support needs can be addressed more quickly.
• The installed equipment has been tested thoroughly for reliability.
• Solutions are more cost-efficient across the board.

How we approach these designs:

In the general assignment rooms we support, we have taken a baseline or "core" approach in regards to design. Each space has standard components and functionality built around the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) approach. Standard equipment includes cabling necessary to connect a laptop or tablet to the system, USB-connected cameras and microphones accessible via web conference or lecture capture software, at least one display sized suitably for the room, and an intuitive user interface. With these core components in place, we can expand upon them to meet any additional functional needs of the space. This could include options like additional displays, additional sources, interactive and collaborative elements, Zoom Room or Teams Room functionality, and anything else required to meet a specific pedagogical need.

We take this same approach when working with departments to ensure their spaces meet the same core expectations as the general assignment classrooms while meeting the functional needs required by the department or college.

A typical project workflow:

1. During the initial consultation, our representative surveys the space and discusses the functional needs.
2. We develop an initial design including all necessary components and premade cabling for the system.
3. Once approved, the design is quoted by VASCUPP vendor(s).
4. You issue a purchase order for the quote through HokieMart.
5. Once the equipment arrives, we schedule the installation. This service can be provided through the vendor or through us (fees associated).
6. Once installation is complete, we commission the system to ensure the user interface is consistent with the rest of campus (fees associated).
7. If desired, we can handle service and support of the system post-installation (fees associated).

If you would like to set up a consultation, please reach out to us!