One of Scotland’s most innovative and progressive modern universities, University of the West of Scotland (UWS) recently created a new atrium and reception area at its Paisley Campus High Street entrance to provide a technologically-enhanced social learning and meeting environment for students, staff and visitors.
Having previously supplied AV solutions across all UWS’s sites, integration specialist Saville Audio Visual was commissioned to design and build a behind-reception video wall and state-of-the-art rotating display canvas. The University chose Ultra-HD displays from NEC with versatile mounting solutions from Peerless-AV to ensure a successful installation and a dramatic result.
The Challenge
UWS wanted to implement a unique transformation at the its Paisley Campus main entrance. Architect proposals included the extension and refurbishment of the reception area, including a coffee shop, social learning spaces and meeting spaces of an appropriate size and flexibility to allow exhibitions and events to be held within them. The changes were designed to activate this as an important link space, providing areas for students to meet before and after lectures, with further technology investment for items such as mobile charging and fast Wi-Fi connectivity.
The Solution
Saville worked closely with the University team to develop an impressive 32-screen video wall constructed on a pivoting column situated between the main entrance door and the coffee shop. Comprising NEC 46″ UHD ultra-narrow bezel screens arranged in an 8 x 4 configuration, the front of the giant canvas is a visual masterpiece. On the reverse are two 65″ interactive touch screens and an interactive whiteboard that connects to mobile devices via QR code or NFC. The rotating function works on demand to cater for different size gatherings for collaboration and presentation sessions.
A video wall controller provides 16 channels of UHD content, including stereo sound which can be switched to the foyer sound system. Sources include eight 4K digital signage players, IPTV and a wireless presentation system.
A second video wall featuring a further nine NEC 46″ screens in a 3×3 configuration is located behind the reception desk. Content is easily controlled using preset templates selected via a control touch panel located behind the desk. To maintain quality across the display from various input sources, all screens are driven at native HD resolution with the ability to display any input, any size, in any position.
For the mounting solution, Saville opted for feature-packed, installer-friendly video wall mounts from Peerless-AV. DS-VW765-LQR Full-service Quick Release Video Wall Mounts were selected for their trusted, field proven ability to simplify and accelerate installation, their display compatibility, versatility for unlimited display configurations and precision performance in recessed applications.
The install
The DS-VW765-LQR mounts allowed a quick and hassle-free set up of both the behind-reception video wall and giant canvas using the handy keyhole slot adaptor plate, custom spacers and 8-point micro-adjustment for seamless placement and perfect display alignment. The ability to allow fast, efficient servicing and maintenance in the future was of key importance to Saville and the University team. The innovative spring-loaded, push release mechanism of Peerless-AV’s mount provides instant access to the rear of the displays for a quick repair or swap out with minimal interruption to reception and student activities. This quick release can also be disabled with a locking screw to prevent unintentional pop-outs.
Antoni Guidi, technical sales manager for Saville explained: “The design of the wall presented us with a couple of challenges that Peerless-AV mounts were able to help us address. With so many screens it was critical that the facias all aligned perfectly, so the 8-point micro-adjustment feature allowed us to achieve this easily. Also with the wall being double sided therefore preventing rear screen access, the pop-out servicing feature was a welcome advantage.”
Supporting 40″-65″ screen sizes with a maximum weight of 36kg (80lbs) and VESA® mounting pattern of 400x400mm, Peerless-AV’s DS-VW765-LQR is an award-winning product of choice for installers and integrators around the globe. The result at UWS is a truly discreet, stylish and exemplary video wall installation.
The result
The rotating video wall in particular stands out as a flagship extension to the University’s facilities and has become a valuable asset for sharing news, events, , promotional and welcome messages, games and more – all on a native display canvas of 15K.
Professor Craig Mahoney, UWS Principal and Vice-Chancellor, commented, “The new display is incredible, it has been a huge hit with our students staff and visitors. The technology will allow students to share digital output bringing to life a key element of our Dreaming, Believing, Achieving ethos.”
