PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA – When the University of California, Riverside (UCR) set out to enhance their recently renovated, 55,000 square foot Student Recreation Center, they wanted to incorporate a show-stopping display that could show national and school sporting events, relevant information and signage, and up to 16 CATV channels. To do so, the school turned to local integrator James Gulke from High-Tech Electric to design and install a massive 27ft x 15ft LCD videowall with the ability to display content from a distant source at a moment’s notice. When developing the new system, Gulke knew that the project’s success relied heavily on the seamless delivery of content from various sources to the videowall. That’s why he chose leading commercial A/V signal processing solution provider, Gefen, to be the project’s behind-the-scenes hero, ensuring reliable fiber-based signal extension and seamless signal delivery.
“UCR wanted an LCD videowall that encourages student participation while they utilize the Student Recreation Center’s all-new fitness room, rock climbing wall, swimming pool and basketball court,” Gulke said. “I knew that fiber-based signal extenders were an absolute necessity for the videowall to effectively stream content from multiple sources.”
Gulke tested signal extension options from different manufacturers for one that would guarantee the 24/7 signal delivery that the spectacular videowall requires. “After extensive testing, Gefen won the shoot-out,” Gulke added.
For the project, Gulke utilized 16 Gefen DisplayPort over Fiber Optic Extenders (EXT-DP-CP-2FO), each of which can extend video up to 300 meters in distance using two strands of multi-mode LC-terminated fiber optic cable. Gulke looped video to 16 lead panels in the 7×7 array. By relying on the Gefen extenders in this configuration, he was able to ensure a seamless video delivery with zero latency and around-the-clock reliability.
The ultra-high resolution videowall is comprised of 49 55-inch displays stacked in a 7×7 configuration and is able to stream content from multiple sources, including cable TV, DVDs, digital images, and camera feeds from hundreds of feet away. This content can be arranged in various layouts and controlled remotely by tablets and smartphones.
“The customer is incredibly satisfied, but we at High Tech Electric are the ones who really appreciate what goes on behind-the-scenes,” Gulke concluded. “This is where the Gefen extenders really shine.”
About University of California, Riverside
Located just outside Los Angeles, the UCR is home to +21,000 students, touted as one of the most ethnically diverse research universities in the United States. The campus is a living laboratory for the exploration of critical issues such as air, water, energy, transportation, politics, the arts, history, culture and healthcare. Its student body’s tastes for recreation and adventure are just as varied, and the new 155,000-square-foot Rec Center offers something for everyone.
About Gefen
Gefen is a leading provider of innovative audio, video and computer signal processing solutions for commercial and prosumer applications. With a heritage of practical innovation, Gefen delivers intuitive connectivity products and solutions that bridge the gap between rapidly advancing technology and real-world applications. Gefen elevates system performance by making connectivity and signal management seamless. For more information, please visit www.gefen.com.
About Core Brands
Headquartered in Petaluma, California, Core Brands combines the product and marketing strengths of iconic and award-winning audio, power management and control brands including ELAN®, SpeakerCraft®, Gefen®, Niles®, Panamax®, Proficient®, Furman®, Sunfire®, BlueBolt® and Xantech® to deliver a portfolio of connected home solutions to its channel partners and end users. For further information, visit www.corebrands.com.
About Nortek, Inc.
Core Brands is a Nortek company. Nortek Inc. is a global diversified company with leading brands and innovative, technology-driven products and solutions for lifestyle improvement at home and at work. For further information, please visit www.nortek.com.
