For most clients, a major outlay of cash makes them want to show off their new A/V toys. But Premier Beverage in Tampa, Fla., wanted exactly the opposite, with projectors and screens that disappeared from view when they weren’t in use.

“They didn’t want it to look like there was an A/V system (in the main conference room) when no one was in there using it,” says Bradley Harp, account manager at AVI-SPL in Tampa. “They wanted it to disappear. That meant installing a projector lift. It’s not inexpensive, but that’s what they wanted and that’s what we did for them.”

Premier Beverage, one of the largest wholesale distributors of wine, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages in Florida, asked AVI-SPL to install the latest in videoconferencing technology, system standardization and a low level of maintenance for their boardroom, conference rooms, training rooms, and more in their 520,000-square-foot distribution center and 500,000-square-foot corporate space. The project ran from February to October 2009, Harp says, and was largely necessary because the facility has grown significantly as the company gains more customers.

Premier A/V for Premier Beverage
With the help of AVI-SPL, Premier’s boardroom now features a WXGA LCD front-projection system, 109-inch ceiling-recessed, electric screen and electronic blackout shade to help control lighting conditions. With the ability to join up to four video and three audio sites, an advanced videoconferencing system delivers an HD presentation environment. Ten table microphones are integrated into the boardroom table, and audio is distributed through eight ceiling speakers. A two-way wireless 8.4-inch LCD touch panel provides user-friendly control over all systems.

“Now they have a room where they can push a button and be up and running,” Harp says.

Premier’s sales meeting rooms offer the flexibility of three separate rooms that can work independently from one another - or as one space. Each room features its own system, with room setup and A/V system control possible from 5.7-inch wall-mounted touch panels. All three spaces are equipped with 4000 lumen WXGA projectors from 137” ceiling-recessed electric screens. Custom 36” wood lecterns are equipped with gooseneck microphones and inputs for laptop, network and power connections.

In addition, nine smaller conference rooms showcase XGA LCD projectors with built-in speakers, manually operated ceiling projection screens and laptop connectivity. The projector’s power, source selection and audio volume are operated by a wall-mounted control keypad. The employee break room and wellness center each feature a 42-inch HDTV with built-in speakers and wireless remote controls. A distributed audio system in the executive lounge area adds background music for social events.

Easy Does It
There were no major challenges on the project, Harp says, and no concerted push by Premier Beverage to focus on green technology. Premier operates as one of the largest LEED projects in the Southeast U.S. Working with a familiar partner, general contractor R.R. Simmons, also made for smooth sailing, Harp says.

“We were able to really put in a first-class project,” he says. “They have a good understanding that A/V is very important and they know we can make good recommendations.”

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D. Craig MacCormack

Craig MacCormack is a veteran journalist with more than 15 years experience covering local and national news and sports as well as architecture and engineering. He joined Commercial Integrator in January 2011. Follow him on Twitter: @CraigMacCormack.

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