Improving Meeting Spaces With Designed-in Audio/Video Capability

Audio/video applications are increasing in variety and complexity — and have passed the point of being add-ons in meeting rooms. However, this technology has not been widely incorporated into the standard building infrastructure in the same way that power and data/communications are. The result is meeting rooms and similar spaces that are not able to take full advantage of A/V — a situation that will only worsen as technology develops further and organizations develop new ways to use it.

Legrand/Wiremold, the leading developer of integrated cable management pathways, has engineered a range of products that offer the capacity, bend radius, flexibility, and aesthetics to seamlessly incorporate A/V into meeting rooms. These systems include work surface portals, poke-thru devices, floor boxes, and architectural columns.

By integrating A/V connectivity directly into cable management systems, A/V modules can be installed without modifying the cabling infrastructure or creating entirely separate pathways for cables and mounting space for modules. These solutions are based on proven cable management technologies and installation techniques that have been re-engineered to meet A/V requirements. Further, Legrand/Wiremold’s years of design experience ensure that the installed system will complement the room’s décor

Legrand/Wiremold offers several solutions for A/V requirements in meeting rooms:

• Evolution™ Series poke-thru devices offer the most capacity in the market in a truly flush, all-metal cover assembly that allows easy device access with unique spring-loaded slide cable egress doors. All devices are recessed for added protection and device longevity. These open-system devices accept A/V modules as well as a wide variety of receptacles and data jacks. These UL^® fire classified products maintain the fire rating of the floor slab for up to two hours, and feature TopGuard^® protection against scrub water entering the device.
  
  
  
• Evolution Series work surface portals have the capacity to accommodate A/V devices and cabling, yet install unobtrusively into any table top. Two unique spring-loaded slide cable egress doors provide access without using flip lids, doors, or pop-ups so the cover is fully closed, even when projectors and other equipment are plugged in. Power receptacles and voice, data, and A/V connections are mounted below the table surface, which protects the connections and minimizes obstructions on the table surface.
  
  
• Vista Architectural™ Columns support A/V in several ways. Full length, floor-to-ceiling columns can house A/V modules and have adequate space to install active A/V equipment without using separate racks. In a meeting room, all wires and cables are hidden behind a decorative center panel, with active electronics secured behind a sturdy, lockable door. Vista columns are also an excellent way to support LCD displays and other digital signage in large meeting rooms, reception areas, and other open spaces. The Vista Point5 Series is a floor-mounted pedestal that provides easy access to A/V connections. It can even be used as legs to support a conference table or work surface.
  
  
  
  
• High-capacity floor boxes offer enhanced A/V capability, as well as power and communications. They accept industry standard and proprietary devices from a wide range of manufacturers to provide seamless communications connectivity. Evolution Series Poke-Thru covers can now be used with the RFB6E six-compartment floor box for a consistent look throughout a building in both above-grade and on-grade applications. Covers feature TopGuard protection and are approved for tile, terrazzo, carpet, and wood covered floors.

Each of these systems is designed for open architecture, meaning that they accept devices from Legrand/Ortronics, Extron^® Electronics, Crestron^®, and other manufacturers, representing over 80 percent of A/V devices on the market today. In addition, because these systems are based on Legrand/Wiremold’s expertise in cable management pathways, these innovative products can be specified in early in the design process so systems integrators do not need to “jerry rig” their own solutions.