When Unilever, the world’s largest consumer goods company, built its new training
facility in Singapore, perhaps the most crucial component was a robust audio/video
system that would be easy to use, had no audio lag and could deliver multiple sources
to a total of 49 endpoints including digital signage displays. Working with Principle
One, a leading technology integration firm with offices in Hong Kong, Singapore,
Shanghai and Tokyo, the company turned to ClearOne and the ClearOne VIEW
network streaming system based on Streamnet® patented technology TCP/IP solution
to provide the 24-zone, four-source system that makes the training center more
efficient and enjoyable for both employees and trainees.
According to ClearOne senior sales director for Asia Pacific and the Middle East, David
Wang, this project highlights the unique attributes pioneered by ClearOne that provide
unrivalled simplicity and functionality for the world-renowned manufacturer’s training
program for the Asia Pacific region.
“With a training facility of this size and complexity, it was an absolute necessity to
implement a simple, consistently superior audio/video solution,’ Wang said. “Using
our VIEW products, Principle One was able to provide Unilever with a robust audio and
video streaming and distribution system and ensure there would be no sync issues or
audio delay from room to room. This is a major concern with other TCP/IP audio
distribution systems, as any delay between endpoints can distract listeners, cause
confusion and reduce the system’s overall effectiveness.’
One of the breakthroughs of the Streamnet technology based TCP/IP solution is its
ability to reduce audio delay between speakers and endpoints to below one
millisecond, which is indiscernible by listeners. In a location with 24 separate AV zones
that can play any of four sources, this attention to detail makes all the difference.
The 24 dedicated zones blanket the entire training centre with top-quality audio,
connecting the training halls, syndicate rooms, amphitheatre, gymnasium, dining
facilities, leisure centre and meeting rooms for senior staff. The system is a breeze to
use, too, thanks to the iPad control interface. Several digital signage displays located
throughout the premises receive feeds from the VIEW system and enable centralised
control. Ten rooms also include ClearOne wall-mount keypads, allowing room
operators to choose sources and set the volume for content.
According to Norman Law of Principle One, this support was a major part of their
decision to specify and install ClearOne AV solutions. “What we value most about
dealing with ClearOne is their support throughout the project process. There is always
a knowledgeable person at the end of the phone who is not only able to answer any
questions we might have but is aware of our specific project, and that is invaluable to
us when we are dealing with clients of this nature and size.’
The VIEW system at Unilever’s training facility is comprised of 26 ClearOne MLAV9500
IP-Based Digital Video Encoders, 24 ClearOne VL9300 IP-Based Digital Video
Decoders, 25 ClearOne SL251 IP-Based Controller/Amplifiers, a ClearOne ANTHOLOGY
Audio Media Server, 4 ClearOne 48-Port Gigabit Switches and 10 ClearOne KL201
Wall-Mount Keypads.
“We stand behind our solutions and provide on-demand help during the installation
and design process as well as on any occasions where troubleshooting is required,’
Wang added. “We want every installation to go smoothly and result in happy end-
users, and we do everything we can to help integrators make that happen on every
job. Superior service and innovative technologies are what keeps integrators coming
back and sharing our products with their clients both large and small.’
