We continue the in-depth study dedicated to the prestigious H-Farm Campus project with a focus on the audio technology implemented.
H-Farm Campus is located in Roncade (TV), it is a unique place where the human and technological elements are perfectly combined, reaching a fruitful balance. After only 321 days of work, it was inaugurated on 7th September 2020: a school complex that offers a unique educational cycle, from kindergarten to masters, of international inspiration, for more than 2,000 students and a total of 3,000 people.
In such a vast and complex location, the aspects of audio-visual communication are even more important. The support given by a value-added distributor such as Prase Media Technologies was decisive in defining the right technological combination, as confirmed by the words of Alberto Aldrigo, IT Manager of H-Farm: “Prase followed us in all phases of analysis of the requirements and development of our AV project; thanks to close collaboration with the technical team, we were able to build a solid infrastructure by optimising the number of objects installed in the field and introducing some innovative elements, such as Biamp’s voice lift system and automatic recording systems with speaker tracking.”
The integration of the AV ecosystem was carried out by 3P Technologies.
Shooting and sound diffusion
In short, if the display and LEDwall catch the eye, no less important is the sound system and the microphone. Tannoy speakers have been implemented in the common areas as well as in most of the classrooms, adopting the most suitable model for the environment. For the background music that creates the atmosphere of the welcome centre, in the refreshment points and in the passageways, the AMS5ICT model was chosen in combination with the Bluesound B100S network music player. The music room was equipped with VX series speakers and subs, which ensure the right sound pressure even when the spaces are remodelled to accommodate the essays. The external courtyard also counts on a Tannoy sound system, appreciated for its ultra-resistance to atmospheric agents with an IP 65 classification. For some smaller classrooms, pairs of Genelec 4020 active speakers were chosen, with local amplification.
To underline the desire, also through technology, to propose a dynamic teaching system that knows how to inspire students: in H-Farm College, which is dedicated to University and Masters courses, the teacher is free to move around and speak thanks to a voice solution. Lift beam tracking, capable of picking up the voice, ‘localising’ it with respect to other sounds; this patented technology, in fact, activates the microphone lobe closest to the sound source, ensuring perfect audio recovery, guaranteeing optimised diffusion. The space between the first row of benches and the projection wall is thus covered by four symmetrically located Biamp TCM-X beam tracking microphones. “Taking advantage of the peculiarity of beam tracking microphones, we separate the signal and direct it in different measure to the speakers in the room depending on the position, guaranteeing crystal clear sound to everyone present, without the typical fatigue of a diffused audio that does not take into account the proximity to the sound source and direct sound component.” commented Luigi Schiavone, Project Manager of the H-Farm Campus project for Prase Media Technologies. In the teaching area there is also an Atlona Omega panel with HDbaseT and USB C ports, for an immediate connection between laptop or tablet and the classroom AV system.
The other technologies involved
For the video projection, Epson was preferred in the classroom and in many thematic laboratories. The EBL610U model, in particular, was able to meet the educational needs of the H-Farm classrooms despite their moderate height, imposed by the architectural standards that insert the complex into the surrounding natural environment. The H-Farm Campus school building project is completed by Lab.Gruppen amplifiers and OMB stands.
All about IP
The 3P Technologies, Prase and internal H-Farm Campus teams agreed to create an ecosystem entirely on an IP network, to guarantee a scalable, easily upgradeable and centrally controllable solution. The entire campus complex is therefore based on Dante and AVB / TSN networks and is managed through two Biamp IO AVB servers and several TesiraFORTÈ, on a Cisco AVB compliant network infrastructure. Also noteworthy is the use of local Shure ANI network interfaces, which ensure that they can interconnect and add other technologies to the various environments for greater flexibility of use. The management of the Campus AV system is entrusted to Atlona Velocity, for centralised control of all networked solutions, but also for remote monitoring; the local management of the classrooms is entrusted to the Biamp TEC-X and TEC-1 panels, connected to the central system.
“Prase added value played a key role in the H-Farm Campus project.” commented Alberto Prase, Founder and Sales Manager of Prase, “our team of AV specialists have interpreted the needs and objectives not only by proposing technologically adequate solutions, but also by guiding the client along a careful validation process. The various combinations were first tested with the H-Farm Campus representatives at our headquarters, and then test rooms were set up on site to validate the proposed solution after a month of use and real stress.”
An eye to the future
In the first months of 2021 the second area of H-Farm Campus will be inaugurated, with the Library and Conference Hall designed by Richard Rogers, making it the largest innovative educational centre in Europe. For further details, in addition to our already published article, we also refer you to the reference reported on the Prase Media Technologies website.
Watch the video:
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