Durban based AV company Natal Video was recently awarded a tender to revamp
Transnet’s Elwazini conference centre in Richards Bay. As a reputable enterprise,
Transnet wanted to create a state-of-the-art centre with the latest AV equipment
to host both large and small conferences.
Natal Video’s first move was to construct a new drywall with down lighters and wall-
washers to lower the level of the suspended ceiling. This assisted with the
enhancement of the venue’s ambience which was ultimately complimented by the
advanced technological control systems and lighting systems that followed together
with motorised Venetian blinds.
For lighting, technicians installed the Crestron DALI control system, which allows
complete control of the lighting levels. “An advantage of installing a control system is
that energy management becomes very easy and cost effective to implement. In this
case, presence detectors were installed in the venue,’ says Natal Video’s
spokesperson.
A sliding partition was fitted which allows the venue to be turned into two smaller
self-contained conference rooms. Panasonic networkable LCD projectors were then
installed in each of the subdivisions, and for security reasons all projectors were
mounted on projector lifts, that automatically fold into the ceiling when not in use.
Projection screens from Elite Screens were mounted which also fold into the ceiling
when not in use.
After the projectors a Crestron Digital Media System was installed to cater for all the
latest digital signals as well as legacy analogue signals. At the heart of this system is
a DM-MD8X8 digital matrix switcher for DSTV, Blu-ray and computer inputs. Digital
Media transmitters located at the lectern and presentation positions provide inputs
for both analogue and digital inputs.
A digital media receiver was later mounted at each projector. All DM signals were
carried on Cat6 cabling, which is readily available, easy to terminate and only
requires 20mm conduit. A Crestron control system was also installed to control all the
equipment. Later a six-inch Crestron touch panel was installed in the lectern and a
wireless touch panel was installed in a wall mounted docking station. Using these two
panels, either rooms can be controlled individually or the combined bigger room can
be controlled.
The audio system comprises both voice lift and show sound. Amplification is provided
by Crestron 3 x 80watt amplifiers and speakers consist of Kramer closed-back ceiling
speakers and Kramer wall mount speakers.
