While “AV” is a clear part of the company’s branding, 1stAv also operates a separate IT department. “This is clearly a good thing for 1stAv and our customers, as AV and IT have converged very closely together,” said Petersen. “IT requirements are of course simple when it comes to HDBaseT, so our network infrastructure tasks were limited to the field cabling structure for the HDBaseT products.”

The IT team also designed and deployed a local IP network with a VLAN dedicated to controlling and managing AV devices. The IP network is anchored by a Fortinet FS-248D-FPOE Layer 2 managed switch for secure communication with the hotel network, as well as distribution of AV control signals.
An electrical contractor was brought in to install the cabling infrastructure, so by the time Petersen came on-site there was a sensible foundation in place for AV.

“I was able to come right in and hang my 4K projectors and displays, and install my HDBaseT wallplates,” he said. “The installation points were prepared in advance, and it was mainly just connecting the cables. I also brought in my complete equipment rack that I built out in our warehouse and plugged in all my switching and distribution components. From there we went into programming mode, which went smoothly with help from our friends at IMAGO SONAS.

The equipment rack that Petersen built serves as the core of the AV operations. The rack integrates seven Atlona HDBaseT matrix switchers for managing video inside meeting and divisible event spaces, as well as Audio-Technica AEW-DA55C devices.

The AEW-DA55C devices , which are UHF active unity-gain antenna distribution systems that provide 1×4 RF channels for Audio-Technica ATW-3211EE1 wireless bodypack systems for speech in each conference room. Audac ARU208 eight-channel digital relay feed various audio sources to the same meeting spaces as well as reception areas, bars and restrooms.

The Atlona gear is responsible for supporting most of the visual presentation needs in each room. Five Atlona switchers were installed in the racks: Three AT-UHD-SW-5000ED devices, which are 5×1 HDMI and HDBaseT switchers serving dedicated conference rooms (Fionia, Thor and Viking); and two 8×2 AT-UHD-CLSO-824 matrix switchers that serve the divisible spaces.

The divisible spaces technically identify as four rooms (Bornholm, Dania, Skagen and Hjejlen). All seven rooms include Atlona AT-OME-TX21-WP-E wallplates to transmit signals from HDMI or USB-C sources. These wallplates are from Atlona’s new generation of Omega™ presentation and collaboration solutions.

“In Denmark, most end users still ask for HDMI,” said Petersen. “What is interesting about the Omega wallplates is that the system is futureproofed for USB-C, which is an emerging connectivity option here that we expect will catch on.”

Petersen installed the Omega wallplates in floor boxes for the divisible rooms. For the Fionia, Thor and Viking rooms, standard wall installations were used.
“You generally want to have the wallplate close to the screen, so that is what we did in the three conference rooms with the LG displays,” he said. “For the Vivitek projectors, there were floorboxes beneath nearby where presenters will stand. It was just a perfect spot to plug a laptop straight into the Omega wallplate.”

The Omega wallplates transmit signals over CAT 6 cable to their respective Atlona switchers, which then feed the projectors and displays, also over CAT 6 cable.

“I like to have no converter boxes in my racks, and the switchers need to have smart features like auto-switching between inputs to ensure smooth presentations,” said Petersen. “Both Atlona switchers provide these efficiencies for the end user. The CLSO just gives me nearly twice the capacity, which is why they are used for the divisible spaces.”

Petersen added Zero Ohm Renegade systems improve audio intelligibility inside each room. “It is a high-density installation, and that can compromise the high and the lows when you are dealing with hotel walls,” said Petersen. “. The Zero Ohm Renegade systems ensure complete clarity.”

While HDBaseT switchers have fixed signal counts, Petersen confirms that there are free HDMI inputs in each Atlona switcher to accommodate additional sources moving forward. “I don’t think that will be necessary for the first two years, but as technology evolves, they will have the capacity to add new systems and sources to every room.”

Petersen states that the video system is fully 4K-capable (though mostly 1080p video is used today), and that the hotel plans to roll out an eighth meeting and events space in the future. Thanks to its existing AV infrastructure, expanding the system will be straightforward.

“They have a solid base to build upon,” he says. “This system is fully capable of meeting their current needs and will easily scale to meet their future needs as well.”