Kramer delivers next level AvoIP conferencing

Details: Written by Redacción ISP Integración; Category: Case Studies; Published: October 13, 2023

In partnership with Vision On AV Systems, Kramer's solutions were selected for seamless connectivity and collaboration.

Kramer is proud to announce its award-winning, future-proof AV/IT solutions have been selected to deliver next-level collaboration and ‘wow factor experiences to visitors inside the new home of the UK’s leading independent games developer, Facepunch Studios.

Founded in 2004 and based in Birmingham – the UK’s third biggest city – Facepunch Studios is one of the world’s fastest-growing independent game developers, with sales of close to 40 million games to date, including ‘Garry’s Mod and Rust, two of the most popular (digitally distributed) Steam games of all time.

As part of its continued expansion, and now with a 50-strong international team of gaming specialists located around the world, Facepunch Studios required a major AV/IT upgrade to deliver seamless joined-up collaboration between employees, with flexible and reliable BYOD wireless presentation capabilities in the boardroom and across all office spaces in its new Colmore Row home.

In addition, further reflecting its success, Facepunch wanted its new offices to deliver a “wow” effect, giving staff an inspiring and dynamic working environment, while also showcasing its impressive credentials to visitors. This included two imposing 3 x 3 video walls in the reception area showing larger-than-life game footage, along with a large interactive screen enabling dynamic product advertisement content.

Clear vision for success

To achieve its ambitions, Facepunch teamed up with Vision On AV Systems – a specialist in engineering, design and installation of bespoke AV systems – with Kramer becoming the standout provider of choice to ensure all AV requirements, both with today and the future in mind, were able to be delivered on time.

Facepunch had a very clear vision of what they wanted and needed. This included a fully automated boardroom with wireless presentation and multi-platform VC (Video Conferencing), interactive displays, zoned audio, and high-end executive offices with BYOD conferencing capabilities. A key target was to minimize hardwiring, so preference was given to an IP-based solution which fitted with Facepunch’s leading technology ambitions, explained Mike McHale, Country Manager for Kramer UK.

A key requirement for any IP-based solution is a stable and secure network for solid wireless access. Ubiquiti Enterprise Layer 3 switches were selected by Vision On AV Systems, and the AV network installation was carefully planned to ensure minimum disruption to service.

Using a networked solution allows for total flexibility for control, which sees the AV system split into four zones: Media Wall No.1, Media Wall No.2, Boardroom, Office Audio and Remote Control Stations.

The central communications room serves as the hub of the AV solution, comprising the Kramer KC-BRAINware-5 for overall control. Kramer BRAINware is a revolutionary, user-friendly, software application that enables you to execute all room control actions straight from a computer without installing a physical Brain between the user interface and the controlled devices.

Using Kramer BRAINware enables users to operate multiple devices over a network. For Facepunch these devices include encoders, audio-video sources, and multi-zone audio amplifiers/mixers, with all devices connected via Ubiquiti Enterprise network switches with fibre links. Kramer Facepunch 1 HI

Full content flexibility

Individual rooms have Kramer VIA wireless collaboration and conferencing platforms, interfaces, decoders, and local amplifiers. BYOD video conferencing was implemented in most rooms using the VIA Connect2 collaboration platform and VIA Versa virtual camera drivers, while the fully automated boardroom uses Kramer’s VIA Campus2 presentation hub for streaming at up to 4K UHD resolution via HDMI, plus a camera-speaker bar. Additional decoders were added to the meeting rooms, the boardroom, the game development area, the bar, and interactive spaces.

To create the “wow” factor for the 3X3 video walls in the reception area, an encoder/decoder solution was chosen for its great flexibility and because it allowed setup, easy source and audio changes, and remote device control using RS-232. One of the main challenges was readying the system for testing before the main network was fully operational. Using a simple router and a single SL-240C, Vision On AV Systems was able to commission the floor space-by-space, before moving over to KC−BRAINware once the network was fully commissioned, with external access to the Kramer servers.

Level up, mission complete

Completed on time, the new Kramer-based AV solution has been instrumental in improving collaboration across Facepunch Studios, facilitating simple and seamless video conferencing that is essential for the success of an international team. Feedback from everyone involved in the project has been exceptional – from Facepunch Studios management and employees alike, as well as other companies involved in the build and visitors to the new premises.

Leigh Holmes, Operations Manager at Facepunch Studios commented: “It’s now very easy to set up a room for a BYOD meeting, and easy to set up a fully hosted meeting in the boardroom and similarly, wireless presentations are also simple and productive”.

The new technology allows for the level of communication required for working on some of the most cutting-edge gaming technology around – enabling creative juices to flow while enhancing meaningful interactions that foster productivity. With full BYOD compatibility and excellent image and sound quality, conferencing is quicker, easier, and more fluid, helping employee engagement wherever they are in the world. The intuitive interface and automated start-up, resets, and shutdowns of the AV system in each room make using the AV system simple to use and reduce unnecessary power use for improved sustainability, she continued.

Alex Bird, Business Development Manager, at Vision On AV Systems added: “Facepunch is delighted with the end result and now benefits from seamless wireless presentation, flexible conferencing, and a reception area with a real wow factor”.

We are proud to have supported Vision On AV Systems with this fantastic project. The team at Facepunch now have reliable, future-proof technology that will enhance operations for many, many years into the future. Our UK support team thank Alex [Bird] and his team at Vision On AV Systems for their great work and we now all look forward to seeing what great games will come from the creative team at Facepunch Studios, concluded Mike McHale.

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