"Our biggest challenge was to come up with an idea of how to connect all the conference rooms and construct the audio system as a whole, combined with the interpretation solution", said Luca Galli, product manager public address & conference systems at Bosch Security Systems. The aim was to achieve a reliable and smooth audio transmission from each room to all the others, to guarantee intelligibility at all times. In particular, due to the main room's multifunctional design and the ability of other rooms to be split, a very cleverly devised solution was needed.
Together with its partner TEXIM, Bosch built a tailored audio web using the Electro-Voice NetMax Digital Matrix System. Each room in the convention centre was equipped with an Integrus Transmitter, Integrus Radiator and N8000 processors. The processors were all connected to each other via a CobraNet interface. To enable the sharing of all audio and video signals, a one gigabyte redundant Ethernet was specifically built.
Applying an audio expander and the N8000 processor, means the interpretation system is capable of receiving the original language from remote rooms and sending the translation back to where it is required. "We equipped a total of 27 interpreter booths and linked them to the central control room - to avoid any delays, the cord length between interpreter booths and radiators are all identical," says Luca Galli.
Also using the CobraNet interface, the high-end digital Praesideo Public Address and Emergency Sound System was fully integrated into an Electro-Voice sound reinforcement system comprising more than 150 loudspeakers (XLE Line Array elements, ZX Series cabinets and EVID Ceiling Series speakers) which are powered by 43 remotely controllable Precision Series Power amplifiers. Through simple fibre-optic cabling, maximum redundancy in the wiring and power management is guaranteed.
"The Palacongressi, from its very design, is a benchmark of truly innovative and positive synergies,"stated former Minister Michela Vittoria Brambilla at the official opening in October 2011. "It is a remarkable venue."
(Jim Evans)
