The Auckland Council, which both administers and occupies this landmark building, released a formal tender to upgrade and refresh the audio-visual technologies within three key spaces utilized by Council Governance and administration. These spaces include the Reception Lounge and Chambers, where Governing Body meetings are conducted, and the Boardroom, which serves as a general administrative meeting venue. After a rigorous selection process, Liquid Automation was awarded the project to deliver the audio-visual technologies upgrades within these spaces.

The Council sought a stable technology solution that prioritizes reliability and ease of use. Although it was not the control system specified within the tender, the Council opted for Crestron as the technology platform that best aligned with the challenges and requirements of the Council’s needs.

THE RECEPTION LOUNGE

The Reception Lounge solution provides intuitive user control through a Crestron 10-inch touch screen, featuring customised graphics that align with the Council’s branding and colour scheme. All systems management, control, video, and audio switching, including digital signal processing (DSP) for sound management, utilise the latest Crestron technologies to create a reliable, reportable, and scalable solution within this high-traffic space.

The core system comprises a Crestron 16x16 Digital Media Matrix Switcher. Presentations can be shared via wired HDMI inputs or wirelessly through two main projectors onto motorised screens and flat panel displays within the public gallery and catering spaces.

A video and audio-conferencing facility, powered by a Polycom Group Series system, is also available. This facility includes 32 Bosch push-to-talk wireless microphones, which deliver exceptional audio, a crucial factor for this formal space.

One technical challenge overcome was the synchronisation of cameras with speakers. This was achieved by identifying the specific location of each microphone using the Crestron control system to capture the push-to-talk command that activates the microphone. Subsequently, the camera was redirected to view that particular location and the person speaking.

Additionally, four Shure handheld and lapel microphones are available for speech reinforcement within the space. There are 16 XLR audio outputs for media and press representatives to extract audio from meetings, and two HDMI outputs for capturing presentations and streaming to a live council YouTube channel.

THE CHAMBER

The Chamber solution provides effortless and intuitive user control through a Crestron 7-inch touch screen, which can be customised with graphics, branding, and colours. The core integrated system comprises a Crestron DMPS3 Matrix Switcher, a Polycom Group Series 310, and 15 Bosch Wireless Conference Microphones. These microphones are utilised in conjunction with the Polycom system for both audio and video meetings within the room. Presentations can be shared via wired HDMI inputs or wirelessly on the main projector and screen. Additionally, two Shure handheld microphones are available for speech reinforcement within the space.

THE BOARDROOM

The Boardroom solution also provides effortless and intuitive user control through a Crestron 7-inch touch screen.

The visual appearance, tactile experience, and user interface remain consistent across all three touch screens, ensuring uniformity and user-friendliness. The core system comprises a Crestron DMPS for control, video, and audio processing, an 85-inch display, and a Polycom Trio 8800 for video and audio conferencing capabilities.