In 2010, Burnage Media Arts College came to us to design, install and support a complete AV solution that would let staff communicate with students and the wider community.

Initially, Burnage Media Arts College needed a projection system that could be used for presenting digital media to large groups of students in their hall. After consultation with our AV team, we supplied and installed a Sanyo projector and 'cut to fit' Supernova infinity screen.

While the installation wasn't completely straightforward (the drop-down screen had torn on its way over from Italy and needed to be replaced), with the help of our AV engineer Jim and some speedy logistics, we soon got the school's new system up and running. The projector now allows staff to connect laptops and set up interactive IT activities like whole-school voting and group 'masterclasses'.

Adding a multiscreen video wall

Alan Cottril, deputy head of Burnage, called us again when the college decided they wanted a digital display mounted in their reception area: "We wanted a video wall to capture the attention of students when they come in first thing in the morning and at lunch times as well. Capita recommended Jigsaw very highly and, out of the three companies we did look at, Jigsaw were certainly the best."

He spoke to Jigsaw AV consultant Anthony Hammond, who took into account the school's requirements. The system would need to not only cope with the high brightness of their reception, but would also need to work with their existing media player.

Adapting the design

Anthony came up with three possible solutions: a ceiling-mounted four-screen video wall, a single-screen display mounted on a steel beam, and a Unicol mobile mount and single screen. In the end, they opted for the four-screen video wall made up of four Samsung screens, along with sturdy Unicol mount components, but Anthony soon had to adapt the initial design.

"Our original plan was to mount the screens from the ceiling, but on closer inspection we found it was constructed from plasterboard rather than poured concrete, as first thought. We had to very quickly and drastically change the mounting system so it would mount from the bottom onto the steel beams in the reception. Drilling into steel presents its own challenges, and we had to test the new custom design to make sure it was safe and secure," explained Anthony.

Installing the video wall

The screens were all tested before delivery, and mounts assembled offsite to make the installation as quick as possible. Capita's onsite network manager, Matt Kynaston, said: "The design wasn't a factory template. It was a running, reactive design that was developed and enhanced as it went along."

We erected a scaffold tower and safely secured all the tools with lanyards to prevent them falling and damaging anything. Before signing off, we tested all the fittings to make sure they were fully secure and the system was working properly.

Communicating with students

John Keane, Burnage's media technician, said the new video wall now provides a way of communicating information to students as well as a welcoming focus point to visitors.

"In terms of the two media resources that Jigsaw have provided us, the four screens in reception are particularly important in that they provide a focal point for the institution and it provides an opportunity for us to present slideshows, films and so on. Say we have a community day, then we can show it continually and the memory of our achievements as an institution is ongoing and never forgotten. It's very useful in that regard," he explained.

"Working with Jim and Anthony was very enjoyable. I found their approach exemplary - very professional, very supportive and very considerate. I have no reservations in recommending them for future projects."

- Matt Kynaston, Capita onsite network manager

To find out about our AV services for education, call us on 03332 409 300 or email learning@Jigsaw24.com.

Tags: Video Wall , Projectors , Projector Screens