Dim the Stage Lights, Silence PA System, Deactivate Media Equipment
Hodgenville, Kentucky's LaRue County High School, home to about 800 students, was in need of a tremendous auditorium makeover. The school's original audio, video, and lighting (AVL) systems, installed over three decades ago, were showing their age and weren't functioning as efficiently as before. Despite a few newer technical upgrades, the auditorium needed major improvements since it hosted theater performances, board meetings, and numerous events throughout the year. To tackle this significant project, the high school reached out to JCA Media, who analyzed and executed the renovation and installation in close to a month.
Initially, LaRue High School had planned to bring on JCA Media merely to upgrade the sound systems. Upon arrival, integration specialist Alex Peake noticed other areas that could be improved, and LaRue and JCA collaborated on a broader upgrade that included lights, projection, and sound systems.
With the upgrade, the auditorium now boasts fully adjustable DMX LED house lighting by The Light Source. On stage, eight RGBW pendants, ten Chauvet F-145WW fresnels, and eight Chauvet Ovation P-56FC PAR lights were installed. The control booth features a Chamsys QuickQ30 Console and three Doug Fleenor Designs Preset 10 Stations for ease of use.
Overcoming the greatest obstacle—starting from scratch after gutting the auditorium—Peake and the rest of the JCA Media team installed a robust PA system with a Martin Audio SXC118 18-inch sub, two Martin CDD12B mains, Martin CDD6B choir monitors, CDD5B booth monitors, and new X8 floor monitors. For a seamless visual experience, a Da-Lite Cosmopolitan Electrol projection screen was installed behind the proscenium, and an Epson EB-PU1008B laser projector was set up for easy maintenance. Three NEC M861 86-inch displays were also added to run video feeds when the screen can't be lowered.
To simplify system control for staff and volunteers, video distribution is handled via Kramer with a VP440H2 Switcher, VM-4HDT HDBaseT distribution, and three TP-580R HDBaseT receivers at the displays. Distributing power and managing audio, video, and lighting (AVL) is done with a LynTec RPC329 Relay Panel with motorized breakers. Sixteen circuits are dedicated to house and theatrical lighting, while four circuits power the audio rack, which is triggered with Furman sequencers.
The LynTec panel is a valuable asset due to its ability to interface with various power control systems and turn off theatrical features when they're not in use, saving energy and prolonging the life of the AVL equipment in the auditorium. With LynTec, LaRue High School can now seamlessly transition into events, as staff no longer need to manually switch on faders and the light board one by one. One week after installation, LaRue High School held an awards ceremony, showcasing the major upgrades.
"The blues and whites projected by the PAR lights, in combination with the house lighting, were a hit at the awards ceremony. The principal and families were overjoyed," Peake said. "The theater department head was thrilled with the new system's functionality."
Want to stay in-the-know on edtech industry trends?
Sign up for our newsletter today!
LynTec's methodically-curated collection of AVL products has significantly improved the auditorium experience for staff and students at LaRue County High School. With additional rack space, extra power, and extra DMX availability, the school is set to enjoy the new auditorium enhancements with options for future technology expansion. With ample circuits left for support, LaRue is demonstrating its commitment to maintaining its investment and keeping its AVL systems up-to-date.
"The LaRue team couldn't hide their happiness when we trained them on the system. Witnessing a client that's delighted and thankful is always a fantastic experience," Peake added. "The reliability and confidence they have in the system shows us at JCA that, when it comes to power control, there's simply no one quite like LynTec."
Sources:
[1] LynTec RPC Relay Panels[2] LynTec for Auditoriums[3] Integrated AV Solutions with LynTec
- The auditorium renovation at LaRue County High School included enhancements in various aspects of technology, such as sound systems, lighting, and projection, thanks to the collaboration between LaRue and JCA Media.
- The new installation features a Da-Lite Cosmopolitan Electrol projection screen, an Epson EB-PU1008B laser projector, and three NEC M861 86-inch displays, providing a seamless visual experience for students and staff during events.
- Education-and-self-development opportunities continue to grow for LaRue County High School students as they delve into technology, with the school investing in future-proof AVL systems, such as LynTec's RPC329 Relay Panel, allowing for adaptability and the potential for additional technology expansions.