Kramer, the global audiovisual experience company’s range of advanced range of network-based hardware and remote management software solutions have been selected to bring transformational TV viewing and audio experiences to bar areas in the historic Norman Hotel in Woolloongabba, Brisbane.
With a history dating as far back as 1889, and located just a few minutes’ walk from the world-famous ‘Gabba Stadium’, the two-story Norman Hotel is one of Woolloongabba’s oldest and most recognized landmarks.
Added to the Queensland Heritage List in 2005, Norman Hotel — Brisbane’s self-proclaimed ‘best steakhouse’ and ‘worst vegetarian restaurant’ — is a go-to destination for locals and tourists alike. Here, they get to enjoy a vibrant atmosphere; along with the extensive choice of live TV sporting events and other entertainment screened in the bar areas.
Goals
The hotel currently boasts 12 large-screen TVs, each strategically placed to provide uninterrupted views. According to Kramer, the existing TV system of Norman Hotel had become outdated and unreliable; no longer working in certain areas and frequently breaking down. Capable of only showing content in 720p standard definition (SD), the experience for punters had fallen below expectations. It also created unnecessary daily challenges (and frustrations) among staff who found themselves repeatedly diverted away from their primary job roles.
Upgrading the Experience
As part of a major system upgrade, the Norman Hotel management team sought a new, highly flexible video and audio solution that would provide site-wide reliability, seamless and effortless control, and 4K UHD picture performance. Moreover, it had to achieve this all while retaining its existing fleet of TVs.
To bring these to life, the hotel then teamed up with experienced local integration specialists, SDC Solutions and Smart Home Programming and Automation. Based on their vast combined knowledge and experience, Kramer and its range of multi-award-winning and futureproof solutions emerged as the standout choice for the project, the company states.
Kramer will also showcase its range of products at ISE 2024. Photo courtesy: Kramer AV.
The integration teams worked with Kramer’s Australia team throughout the project. Here, they selected Kramer VS-1616DN-EM multi-format digital matrix switcher to upgrade video performance from SD to HD on all 12 large screens. Running on the Kramer Network, the VS-1616DN-EM system is controlled by Kramer’s scalable and flexible SL-280 room controller and a Kramer FC-26, PoE control gateway.
Kramer also states it will showcase its brand new range of control panel hardware at the upcoming ISE 2024 show in Barcelona. These also include 8-, 10- and 15-inch variants.
The Installation
At the front end of the project, Norman’s bar now has access to nine separate zones of video with nine inputs. These are controlled using Kramer’s advanced cloud-based platform, Kramer Control. Going far beyond the traditional boundaries of AV, the enterprise-class platform also enables the Norman Hotel to take control of any in-room AV and automation devices. What’s more, it can be from any location in the building or even off-site.
Previously, the audiovisual system inside the Norman Hotel was controlled via an app on a single iPad. As different staff members used it to change channels, adjust audio and rectify any problems that occurred; the iPad would constantly change hands. This thus presented significant challenges if they or the iPad happened to be elsewhere in the venue.
Equipment List
The installation project involved the following products:
A Touch of Glass
Visitors can now enjoy an immersive entertainment experience. Photo courtesy: Kramer AV.
As part of the new upgrade at Norman Hotel, all management of each TV, is controlled using installed (fixed) Kramer KT-1010, 10-inch IPS, multi-touch panel displays, which have been strategically placed and installed on walls and shelves around the staff areas of the bar. The days of searching for a single iPad are over.
Using Kramer Control, the KT-1010 displays feature a tailored, highly intuitive interface. As a result, it requires near-zero training for staff and allows for effortless changing of channels and adjusting audio settings. This thus ensures visitors receive the ultimate, uninterrupted, highly immersive entertainment experience. Additionally, all of this is available in glorious 4K.
Completed on time and on budget, the system upgrade has proven a major hit with staff and punters alike. With the venue now well-equipped — for today and in the future — it will provide a perfect destination for local and global sporting events, Kramer states. This includes the 2030 Brisbane Olympics, of which ‘the Gabba’ will be the home stadium.
Super Support
Discussing the project, David Bowdler, owner of Smart Home Programming & Automation, hails the success of the project. Here, he describes Kramer as providing “superb support” for Norman Hotel while delivering the most versatile solutions in the current market.
Bowdler also notes that being able to view and fix any issues remotely via Kramer Control, with no truck roll needed, is another factor that made Kramer the right choice for this installation.
Value
“Kramer had the best products for this job,” explains Bowdler. “Using the Kramer Control system, it gives us the flexibility of being able to custom build the interface to suit the customer. They’re at a great price point that makes it competitive. And the backup support you get is superb.”
He then continues, “Now, patrons can come to the bar and see the footy in great quality. They can hear it. It just makes it a much better place to be in.”
Gavin Sayers, Telecommunications Installer for SDC Solutions also states, “Feedback from the Norman from both managers and upper management has been very positive. The benefits of using Kramer have come through the reliability, customer feedback with how easy it is to use.”
Peace-of-Mind Warranty
Sayers adds, “Another benefit of having the Kramer system is that they have a seven-year warranty on the majority of their hardware, which has helped with not only giving the client confidence to go ahead with this product; but also gave us as the installer full confidence knowing we have the backing from Kramer.”
According to Kramer, it is thus clear that the same confidence flows through all the work that both SDC and Smart Home Automation undertake with Kramer.
“Kramer products have been reliable in every installation that I’ve undertaken between Smart Home and ourselves,” Sayers remarks. “We’ve had the support that we needed, whether it be from Kramer themselves or Smart Home. And we’ve always managed to deliver exactly what the client has needed. I would always recommend going down this path.”
