The Introduction
Through meaningful advocacy, outreach, and community investments, the California Community Foundation (CCF) is focused on finding long-term, comprehensive solutions that address vital issues concerning the quality of life in Los Angeles County.
Learn More: https://www.calfund.org/
The Challenge
The California Community Foundation sought a full-scale upgrade of its audio visual (AV) infrastructure to better support hybrid collaboration, user-friendly operation, future scalability, and broadcast-quality communication across multiple floors of its facility. The goal was to improve usability, video conferencing experience, wireless presentation capabilities, and ensure seamless integration of all systems under a central control platform.
A key challenge was the strategic placement of modern AV technology across a large multi-purpose divisible room in order to seamlessly facilitate large group conferencing and board presentations, when combined, or enable smaller group meetings in its divided mode.
Visual Sound was selected as the AV integrator to design and implement a full-scale upgrade plan. The project scope included significant enhancements to over 15 rooms across multiple floors, the installation of over 150 AV components, and network infrastructure improvements to support a fully integrated, IP-based AV environment.
The Solution
Key Project Elements
1. Unified Communications (UC) Optimization
• Auto-Tracking Cameras: Installed across five rooms for intelligent speaker tracking and seamless video switching.
• Camera Servers: Crestron 1Beyond system for managing video feeds in combined or divided room states.
• Wireless Presentation: NVX-compatible wireless gateways with USB integration to allow BYOD functionality.
2. Display and Projection Enhancements
• Dual Display Installations: 98” displays for the divisible room with additional confidence monitors at rear.
• High Brightness Projectors: Replaced outdated units with 14,000-lumen laser projectors for better visibility under full lighting.
• Digital Signage: Installed in 4th and 5th floor elevator lobbies for wayfinding and scheduling.
3. Audio System Expansion
• Ceiling Microphone Arrays: Installed in all major conference spaces to improve UC audio clarity and auto-tracking functionality.
• Wireless Microphones: Expanded wireless coverage to include the Café, Outdoor Patio, and all main meeting spaces.
• DSP Enhancements: New AEC-enabled processors to support additional mic inputs and zone-based routing.
4. System Control and Integration
• Crestron Control System Upgrades: iPad control surfaces provided for mobile management of rooms and global settings.
• USB Switching & Extension: All UC-capable spaces now support flexible USB device routing between local PCs, wireless gateways, and laptops.
• Custom Programming: Adjusted room startup behaviors, default input assignments, and enabled global audio routing presets.
5. Network and Infrastructure Improvements
• New AV Data Switches: Added to support the growing number of endpoints; fiber uplinks installed between floors.
• IP Power Management: Controllable PDUs installed in all rack locations for remote troubleshooting and reboot capabilities.
6. End User Training and Support
• System Orientation: Initial training sessions provided at system handoff for up to 5 users per room.
• Custom Training Packages: Optional extended training and documentation offered.
• Enhanced Service Plan: Includes rapid response support, remote diagnostics, on-site repairs, and loaner equipment if needed.
Systems Installed
• 25+ NVX Encoders/Decoders
• 20+ Auto-Tracking Cameras
• 10+ Ceiling Microphone Arrays
• 10+ Confidence Monitors
• 5+ iPad Control Surfaces
• 5+ AV Data Switches (with Fiber Uplink)
• Media Recording & Streaming Units in All Main Rooms
Innovative Features
Feature | Impact
Auto-Tracking + Switching Cameras | Eliminated need for manual camera operation; improved virtual meetings
Confidence Monitors | Enhanced presenter engagement by reducing need to turn to main screen
Wireless Gateways + USB Switching | Enabled seamless device handoff in meetings and presentations
iPad-Based Room Control | Simplified wireless control interface for increased staff mobility and intuitive touchscreen functionality
Digital Signage Integration | Provided real-time wayfinding and schedule visibility
The Results & Benefits
• Modernized 10+ conference and meeting spaces with scalable AV capabilities
• Unified experience across all rooms for easier training and operation
• Improved hybrid meeting experience with crystal-clear audio and intelligent camera systems
• Higher engagement in presentations through confidence monitors and better visual clarity
• More reliable system maintenance through remote management tools and power control units
Conclusion
The CCF audio visual upgrade project stands as a benchmark for fully integrated, user-friendly, and scalable audio visual systems in a nonprofit organizational setting. With Visual Sound’s AV expertise, CCF now benefits from modern technology that enhances communication, presentation, mobility, and collaboration across the organization—both in-person and virtually.
