AV Technology & Installation

Capacity: 5-8 occupants

Examples: NQ 6356, HH 1521D

• The small conference room has a microphone and camera for video conferencing that is sufficiently robust to allow 5-8 people to engage effectively with remote participants

• This room is shared by multiple people and therefore requires a touch panel controller (instead of a hand-held remote)

• The system components are designed to reside behind the single flat panel display for a clean look in the space  

• Additions of specialty equipment  may require additional AV infrastructure and would incur additional cost

• ALS (Assisted Listening System) is required

• An ADA barrier required if the table is not flush to wall under the display

• Approximate time for installation: 8-12 total business days

Capacity: 7-18 occupants

Examples: RAND 2246, STB 1022, Maynard 202

• The medium conference room has more sophisticated microphones, cameras, and audio system in order to accommodate the larger space and larger number of participants

• This room is shared by multiple people and therefore requires a touch panel controller (instead of a hand-held remote) that often resides on a tabletop stand/AV credenza

• Medium conference rooms usually have a small AV half-rack in a corner rather than a full podium. If a small IT/AV closet is available within the conference room, Technology Services can explore the feasibility of using that space

• The system components are designed to reside behind the single flat panel display for a clean look in the space  

• Integration with special furniture or room finishes may take longer to order/arrive and will increase cost

• This standard for Medium Conference Room does allow for some expansion of capabilities/equipment. This could include a second video conferencing camera, additional ceiling arrays, additional microphones, table top microphones, podium (if space allows), etc. Expansion of capabilities will likely lengthen design time, cost, time for installation, and complexity for use

• ALS (Assisted Listening System) is required

• Approximate time for installation: 10-14 total business days

Capacity: 16-40 occupants

Examples: SLC Satellite in USB 2165, LANE 2239

• The large conference room has a podium, larger flat display, ceiling microphones, wall mounted motorized cameras, and a more complex audio system in order to accommodate the larger space and larger number of participants

• This is a conventional integrated AV installation with a touch panel controller and primary components residing in a podium, AV Credenza half rack, AV closet, or other integrated furniture

• Typically, the podium will require an ADA space evaluation for access and sufficient turn-radius

• Large conference rooms could potentially have a specialty podium instead of standard height adjustable podium, although that may increase cost and/or support needs

• Integration with special furniture or room finishes are possible but may take longer to order/arrive and will increase cost

• This standard for a large conference room does allow for some expansion of capabilities/equipment. This could include lecture recording, second video conferencing camera, additional ceiling arrays, additional microphones, table top microphones, etc. Expansion of capabilities will likely lengthen design time, cost, time for installation, complexity for use, and increased support needs.

• ALS (Assisted Listening System) is required

• Approximate time for installation: 12-16 total business days

Capacity: 12-40 occupants

Examples: LSA 2228, WEIS 1055, SKB 3020

• Due to the bespoke nature of these spaces, the location of equipment will be in an AV Credenza half rack or in an AV closet or other integrated furniture

• A room like this might have a specialty presentation podium located near the front of the presentation space

• The touch panel controller could be wireless (with the charger located on the credenza) or different options for locations, or have multiple controllers built into the table

• This standard for the executive conference room does allow for some expansion of capabilities/equipment. Installed video recording, cable tv, emergency operations equipment, and other features could be added to the executive conference room package for additional cost

• Specialty finishes and special ceilings often impact the location and type of microphones and ceiling speakers. Push-to-talk table top microphones or voice-lift technology might be an option, which would require additional design and planning, additional infrastructure, and cost

• Approximate time for installation: 21-42 total business days. Timing can depend on integration with special furniture or the order and delivery time for a specialty podium. Installation and custom fit to specialized wall finishes may require longer periods of time, as well as coring of floor or other specialized Plant services

Capacity: 30-100+ occupants

Examples: BSB 1010, EH 4448, LSA 1040, WH 340, WH 411

• Event space rooms typically have a presentation podium. The room could have multiple podium types and/or locations that can be changed by AV Technicians. A presentation podium might have the equipment installed or could only have a laptop connection or keyboard connected to a built-in computer elsewhere in the room

• Rooms will all have self-service features for up to 8 microphones and program audio playback, as well as self-serve video conferencing. Some event spaces might have additional capacities for expanded mic capability, audio playback, and video conferencing during events.

• May have special flexible configurations with multiple locations of podiums for different types of gathering activities. Event spaces might have high-end finishes and furniture.

• Depending on the size of the event space, there is the potential for additional locations for event AV control and/or press feeds

• Due to the bespoke nature of the space, location of equipment may be in an AV closet or other integrated furniture. Might have a specialty presentation podium and therefore the touch panel controller might be wireless (with the charger located on the credenza) or have different options of location or multiple controllers

• Specialty finishes and special ceilings often impact the location and type of microphones and ceiling speakers. Push-to-talk table top microphones or voice-lift technology might be an option in some spaces. Speakers might be in special locations or have special equipment for program and voice reinforcement

• Assisted Listening System will be included, as well as capacity for other accommodation technologies

• This standard for event spaces does allow for some expansion of capabilities/equipment. This could include lecture recording, live-streaming, connections for Michigan Media productions, etc. Expansion of capabilities will likely lengthen design time, cost, time for installation, complexity for use, and increased support needs

• Event spaces have many features of an auditorium and always have some type of podium (podium does require ADA space evaluation for sufficient access)

• Approximate time for installation: 28-56 total business days. Timing can depend on integration with special furniture or the order and delivery time for a specialty podium. Installation and custom fit to specialized wall finishes may require longer periods of time, as well as coring of floor or other specialized Plant services. Given the wide range of size, complexity of AV system, room details and finishes, and age of the building/infrastructure, project timelines for event spaces may sometimes be measured in months

• Since this is a private space, the system is operated by a remote control.

• LSA Standard for a basic office does not include infrastructure for cable TV; nor does the LSA Standard include additional equipment for access to Netflix or other commercial services through the display (ie: no consumer SmartTVs)

• Additions of specialty equipment due to research requirements may require additional AV infrastructure and would incur additional cost

• This system has limited expandability

• Official requests for equipment in a faculty member’s office to support an accommodation through the LSA Disability Navigators will be treated as a separate type of project

• Approximate time for installation: 2-4 total business days

• System components are designed to reside behind a single flat panel display, although office layouts and infrastructure may require a credenza or cabinet for the equipment. Specialty finishes or furniture would incur additional cost

• Since different individuals may rotate in certain positions and since different administrative staff members may support these positions, the enhanced office requires a touch panel controller

• All LSA Standard equipment must adhere to University and LSA security standards, as well as requirements for quality and durability of equipment and warranties

• LSA Standard for enhanced offices does not include infrastructure for cable TV; nor does the LSA Standard include additional equipment for access to Netflix or other commercial services through the display (ie: no consumer SmartTVs)

• All requests to connect specialty or exceptional equipment to university systems must undergo security review before connecting to the U-M network

• Extended Desktop Infrastructure Add On:

  • The office occupant should consider whether wireless presentation is sufficient to present from a laptop from anywhere within the office. Some individuals might have significant data or high-frame rate content that they want to share from their workspace elsewhere in the office

  • If the office occupant needs to share content and use the office collaboration display as an extended desktop, the cost solution will vary depending on the size of the office space; AV would provide appropriate cable and transmitter hardware for the extended desktop capability, if desired

  • The office occupant would work with LSA Technology Services staff on configuring and operating their personal computers

• Official requests for equipment in an enhanced office to support an accommodation through the LSA Disability Navigators will be treated as a separate type of project

• Approximate time for installation: 8-12 total business days

Examples of Digital Signage and Touch Screens:

• Digital Signage:  Central Campus Classroom Building South Lobby 

• Touch Screens: School of Kinesiology Building, Natural History Museum Lobby

Digital signage typically advertises events, academic programs, and content from departments. Content rotates on a fixed interval determined by the local content managers. Promotional content and event information in digital signage is created and managed by local unit(s). Digital signage, historically, is only visual and not audio. Software for digital signage is provided through LSA Technology Services, after LSA Facilities has approved the request for installation of the digital signage.

Touch screens are typically maps and listings of offices/occupants or listings of people/services and provide additional information for each listing. Users scroll through the displayed schedule to choose desired content. Touch screen content must be managed by the facilities manager or building manager and must follow University guidelines for public display of office locations and personal information. Touch screens may require special enclosures or infrastructure for mounting to meet code requirements and ADA requirements and/or esthetic requirements (eg: donor engagement).

Approximate time for request approval: 2 months. Approximate time for equipment installation after approval: 8-12 business days. 

Request Process

• Requests for digital signage and touch screens should be submitted to LSA Facilities who will evaluate the requests and locations for the most appropriate solutions

• After LSA Facilities has approved the request, Technology Services will cover all costs for new digital signage or replacement of existing digital signage

• Technology Services Team will coordinate with Facilities, the LSA Department, and Plant Construction Services on installation timeline

• All digital signage and touch screens must meet ADA requirements and code requirements.

• Departments that elect to maintain digital signage or touch screens outside the LSA service model will be responsible for the funding of their own signage software, training on content development, funding for display/computer/mounting replacement, and all other signage costs

• Remote power management for carbon neutrality goals is currently being investigated. It may require an additional data line, which would increase cost

• Room schedulers in LSA are typically a small networked touch panel, which are interactive displays.  People can scroll through the displayed schedule, although people need to reserve space through a web application (not directly through the touch panel)

• Departments must work with Technology Services to connect Google calendars for conference room schedules to the touch panel. Classroom schedules are connected to centrally administered calendars

• LSA Technology Services is currently exploring the option of connecting Room Schedulers to self-scheduling software for conference rooms and other shared spaces, which will eliminate the overhead of connecting individual Google calendars to each device

• Charges for Room Scheduler installation will include the cost of the equipment, network drop, and plant infrastructure work.  Plant work may be considerably more depending on the nature/make up of the surrounding wall and building infrastructure

• Any room scheduling or calendaring software must comply with U-M security requirements

• Approximate time for installation: 6-10 total business days

• If additional equipment or functionalities (eg: motion capture cameras, special connections to research equipment) need to be connected to collaboration AV systems in the research lab, additional design and equipment may be required, which may impact the length of planning/installation and could increase costs. Connection to specialized equipment also will likely require close coordination with local research staff and research computing staff

• Research spaces are typically restricted to a limited number of people and therefore AV equipment for collaboration would typically be controlled by a handheld remote control. If the number of individuals using the space makes the use of a handheld remote impractical, a touch panel controller may be necessary and would increase costs

• System components are designed to reside behind a single flat panel display. LSA Standard for research spaces must meet requirements for quality and durability of equipment and requirements for U-M warranties. Environmental factors and/or operational requirements specific to the research may require more custom solutions. These specialized solutions provided through Technology Services may take longer to design and install and will come at a higher overall cost

• LSA Technology Services does not support non-standard equipment purchased outside of this service. Faculty who insist on non-standard equipment will be asked to forego any future LSA Technology Services support

• Official requests for equipment in a Research Lab to support an accommodation through the LSA Disability Navigators will be treated as a separate type of project

• Approximate time for installation: 8-12 total business days

In addition to the standard support expectations for AV installations, research lab support also involves:

• Access to the Research Lab space will depend on lab policies and restrictions. If access requires special considerations (training, clothing, anti-dust, security, etc.), that may impact not only the installation itself, but also on-going support capability. Some research labs may be required to limit access without lab staff available; this may also limit whether Technology Services has key access outside of standard business hours

• Faculty and research staff will arrange for access to the space so that LSA Technology Services staff can provide support and maintenance to AV equipment. If access must be limited for security reasons, expectations for levels of support will need to be agreed upon at the onset of the project

• Technology Services will provide the faculty and lab staff with training and documentation on the equipment.

• Local research staff will have training and a list of basic troubleshooting tasks that the Technology Services Desktop Support or research staff can assist with

Small space or lounge where a single individual or small groups might watch tv or videos over lunch or during small group activities.

• This room is shared by multiple people and therefore requires a touch panel controller (instead of a hand-held remote)

• The system components are designed to reside behind the single flat panel display for a clean look in the space

• The LSA Standard for basic AV in a lounge or kitchenette does not include infrastructure for cable TV; nor does the LSA Standard include additional equipment for access to Netflix or other commercial services through the display (ie: no consumer SmartTVs). Connection to campus cable TV is an option with additional cost of installation; the local department would be responsible for monthly charges

• Security restrictions may apply to what streaming devices can be connected. Local department would be responsible for any subscription services (fees, licenses, account management). Many consumer home streaming services are not allowed to be used in public venues

• Additions of specialty equipment may require additional AV infrastructure and would incur additional cost

• The base system for a lounge/kitchenette only allows for limited expansion, but adding on wireless presentation is an option

• All LSA Standard equipment must adhere to University and LSA security standards, as well as requirements for quality and durability of equipment and warranties

• Units should consider whether a lounge or kitchenette needs technology at all. Some groups prefer to have a quieter, screen free break room

• Larger spaces which a department may call a lounge, in which voice reinforcement is needed or program audio in ceiling or projection or multiple screens are needed for all participants to see content should fall under event spaces (see above)

• Approximate time for installation: 8-12 total business days

LSA Technology Services does not have a standard for production studios. These may vary from podcasting booths and audio recording spaces to small video studios or full media production spaces. Consultations will be necessary to evaluate equipment requirements and the extent to which the studio may fall under other standards.  AV best practices, accessibility compliance, and safety practices are required for all installations. Basic network security must be followed to be connected to the network. Contact LSA Technology Services 734-615-0100 to schedule a consultation.

Production Studio Features and Notes

• The equipment in a production studio will depend on the unit’s production requirements, staffing levels of the studio, complexity of audio/video and multimedia content to be produced. Much depends on the sophistication and skill level of the faculty, staff, and students who will be supporting and using the space. Technology Services staff will consult with the department to evaluate requirements to ensure the best possible solution appropriate to the scope of the unit’s need. In cases where third-party specialists are required, Technology Services staff will provide consultation and oversight for the AV technology.

• Due to the high bandwidth requirements typical of many video and multimedia projects, special care will be required for sufficient infrastructure, network, storage requirements, heating and cooling needs, etc. Technology Services staff will collaborate with campus experts to ensure all needs are met.

• Special lighting and other special equipment needs may require evaluation by electricians and fire safety staff.

• Consideration of audio characteristics of the room, including ambient noise (e.g., HVAC) in the space will likely require acoustic treatments, collaboration with audio specialists, as well as, Plant and Facilities staff.

• The local department will be responsible for managing access to the individuals allowed to use the space. Technology Services recommends adding MCard prox-card readers on all doors to studio spaces.

LSA Technology Services does not have a standard for video walls. We recommend a consultation to evaluate the most appropriate solution to meet project goals. AV best practices, accessibility compliance, and safety practices are required for all installations. Basic network security must be followed to be connected to the network. Contact LSA Technology Services 734-615-0100 to schedule a consultation. 

Video Wall Features and Notes

• The size of the panels and quality of the image (e.g., pixel pitch) will depend on the project’s requirements. Technology Services staff will consult with the department to evaluate size and quality of the video wall needed for the size of the space, viewing distances, desired viewing experience, and the goals of the project

• The local department will be responsible for creation and presentation of content on the video wall

• During the design phase for any video wall project, audio requirements must be discussed, even if the initial project does not include audio or other features in the concept for the space. LSA Technology Services will always recommend the mechanical infrastructure for possible future expansion be included in construction of the space

LSA Technology Services does not have a standard for exhibit spaces or galleries. We recommend a consultation to evaluate the most appropriate solutions to meet project goals and exhibition requirements. AV best practices, accessibility compliance, and safety practices are required for all installations. Basic network security must be followed to be connected to the U-M network. Contact LSA Technology Services 734-615-0100 to schedule a consultation.

Exhibit Features and Notes

• The equipment required in exhibit spaces and galleries will depend on the exhibition requirements.  Technology Services staff will consult with the department to evaluate needs and AV requirements and possible solutions based on the size of the space, the goals of the exhibits, and desired visitor experience

• The local department will be responsible for creation and presentation of content for the exhibit space or gallery

• During the design phase for any exhibit space or gallery project, audio requirements must be discussed, even if the initial project does not include audio or other features in the concept for the space. LSA Technology Services will always recommend the mechanical infrastructure for possible future expansion be included in construction of the space.