Specifications

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2.9 Source equipment
All playback and PC based source equipment shall be individual specified for each space in
consultation with ISTS during the design process. Typically these units shall be readily and easily
assessable to all users and may require additional mechanical or electronic security measures as
deemed suitable by ISTS.
For spaces that require additional playback of DVD or Blu-ray, an appropriate player shall be
provided. The playback unit shall support Blu-ray and be backwards compatible with DVD, and will
provide video via HDMI and audio via balanced audio, RCA or HDMI. RS232 or IP are the required
control method and must provide full control of media playback.
2.10 Video Conferencing
The University has identified several key aspects that are required for all video conferencing facilities
within the University. These design requirements are based on the unique technical aspects of video
conferencing.
All video conferencing spaces should be designed to use directional spot lights exclusively,
fluorescent lighting produces poor quality when viewed through a camera. Additionally all effort
should be made to remove or restrict any exterior light from entering a video conferencing space.
The use of thick black-out curtains has been identified as an excellent solution.
Special consideration must be made for the microphones that will be used in a video conferencing
space. The room must have a low ambient noise level, with as little plant and background noise as
possible. The placement of microphones must be carefully considered to maximize the pickup of
voices within the room whilst avoiding ambient sources.
A high quality omnidirectional table microphone equipped with a shock mount is preferred. In rooms
where a table microphone is unsuitable ceiling microphones can be used, however care must be
taken to keep them physically separated from air conditioning outlets and lighting fixtures.
Cameras should be mounted as close to the display as possible, preferably at head height at the
horizontal centre point of the display. All effort should be taken to minimize the separation between
the display and the camera. The recommended background colour for video conferencing is dark
blue, as this provides the best contrast between participants and the background, ensuring a high
quality image.