Midtown Video Wins Best Retail Project for CAMP Attractions

November 21, 2024

One of the Biggest Hurdles

One of the biggest hurdles for Midtown Video was being unable to begin the onsite AV implementation until all other work was done. That other work included building sets, painting walls and laying carpet. This left only two weeks to complete the AV, including mounting DMX lighting, Wi-Fi access points, IP cameras, pendant speakers and projectors from a 6’x6’ Unistrut ceiling grid suspended 13 feet above the themed experience space. Because floor maps differ greatly for each experience, audio zones typically have different sizes and shapes, thus requiring different speaker placement. With analog audio, time constraints made it difficult for technicians to re-run analog speaker cables from the rack room to the speaker zones and reconfigure the speakers.

Converting to Audinate Dante digital-audio-over-IP networking was a game changer. Now, a technician only has to compare the experience floorplan against the speaker locations and digitally re-zone IP-enabled speakers. This involves simply updating the Dante Software Controller and DSP software so that existing hardware and cabling support the new layout.

The installation involved placing roughly 120 network connections on the ceiling grid, allowing network devices (particularly IP-enabled speakers) to be mounted where needed. Midtown Video also filled a rack with NETGEAR M4250 switches and installed roughly 20 SoundTube IP-enabled pendant speakers, six IP-enabled trapezoid speakers and a 15-inch subwoofer with Audinate Avio Dante-to-XLR-output adapter.

At times, a speaker may need to be moved to support a new zone. However, because all IP network connection points are based on the same shielded RJ45 jack on the ceiling grid, a 10-foot shielded network patch cable guarantees connectivity from anywhere. And if the team overloads one location with devices, it’s possible to simply add a small PoE+ switch to rebalance the load.

The result is greater operational flexibility with fewer manhours and less stress.