The Zabriski Alumni Auditorium at
the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center is a rare blend of technology and
architecture. While designing and installing the audio visual system, Tek
7 had to address the issues of keeping consistent with the art deco design
of the building as well as the space requirements for the A/V system.
The auditorium features a rear projection audio-visual and remote control
system that is used to present medical images in various multimedia formats.
It is controlled from a custom lectern that houses an AMX remote control
which allows the user to choose from video images in Hi-8, NTSC, PAL, and
SECAM 1/2" and 3/4" formats, RGB signals from Macintosh or PC
formats, and direct feeds from the University's Biomedical Communications
Head End Studio or satellite.
The audio component of the system
utilizes DSP processing through a distributed ceiling sound system and stereo
imaging through a remote controlled program sound system. A slide projection
system works in a variety of configurations on the 12 foot wide screen.
AMX Prodigy lighting control contains presets and individual zone control.
A custom made video lectern was designed for the project to fit in with
the look of the room. Because Tek 7 has completed over 20 rooms for the
Medical Center, there wasn't alot of guesswork involved in the performance
and physical design of the system. When finished, the room offered a pleasing
appearance without sacrificing any A/V functionality.