Specifications

Integrator’s Reference Manual for Polycom HDX Systems
A–4 Polycom, Inc.
Ceiling Tiles
These should be high-quality acoustic tiles, ideally 1”- thick compressed
densecore fiberglass. An added benefit of this kind of ceiling tile is that it
works well with the indirect lighting as specified elsewhere in this section. To
reduce any extraneous noise from leaving or entering the room via the ceiling
space, the ceiling tiles can be blanketed completely from the plenum side, with
a minimum of 6”- thick unfaced dense fiberglass batting or mineral rock wool,
(the equivalent of R-15 to R-19). Here again, a barrier layer will improve the
performance, but all local building codes must be followed for allowable
materials in the various aspects of room acoustic modifications. To make entry
and exit from the ceiling space easier, the blanket and barrier do not need to
rest on the ceiling tiles, but may be suspended above it.
Air Conditioning
It is critical that all air-handling equipment (blowers, heat exchangers,
solenoid valves, etc.) be located outside the physical meeting room space. This
will prevent the noise burden associated with such equipment from affecting
the participants of any meetings held in the room. Location of air-handling
equipment within the ceiling space of a conference room often renders that
room unusable for video or audio-only conferencing.
The air vents should be of open construction to eliminate “wind noise” while
the system is running. These vents normally are specified as “low-velocity”
diffusers. The number of air vents within the room should be sufficient to
maintain a consistent temperature throughout the space. All HVAC ducts and
diffusers should be oversized for the general application in the space, with
minimum 2’ diameter insulated flexible ducts and matching 2’ noise
dampening diffusers generally best. All ducts should be installed with gradual
bends and curves rather than rigid 90-degree corners. This will minimize
“thunder” sounds as the initial air pushes through the ductwork and into the
room.
There should be a thermostat to control this specific room system
independently of the rest of the building, and that control should be located
within the room.
Important: Allow an additional 5,000 BTU of cooling capacity for a standard
“roll-about” singlemonitor VC system with extended in-room peripherals
(PC, document camera, scan converter, etc.) and a minimum of 10,000 BTU for
a dual display multimedia presentation system with large screen displays. For
the comfort of the participants, the room must accommodate these heat loads,
plus the heat load of a room full of people, with minimal temperature rise.