"As we began designing the system in July 2003, we realized we were going to need something with more control and flexibility, to do things with the audio system, than the old casino facility provided," says Mark Schultz, the TSI design specialist who helped coordinate the Argosy project. "With SymNet, we have a much more powerful and user-friendly system that didn't cost the owners any more than their budget called for."
Seven components comprise TSI's SymNet package for the Argosy, giving the casino the ability to easily merge multiple audio sources with multiple audio outputs in a vast range of combinations covering numerous zones in the 62,000sq.ft facility. Consisting of one 8x8 unit; one 8-out unit; three Break-In 12 units; and two Break-Out 12 units, the SymNet configuration handles the casino's current needs, but also has enough power to handle the demands of an expected hotel addition sometime in the near future.
Via SymNet, the casino is able to easily manage audio distribution from sources like music DVDs, paging and casino floor microphones and satellite television receivers to speakers on the main casino floor, VIP areas, entryways and on-site restaurants. Tied in with a laptop computer-based connection and a series of control screens, SymNet gives the casino ready,but secure, access to changing audio system configurations as needed. "All of the background music for the facility is brought in via three DirecTV satellite receivers," Schultz says. "Three different types of music can be selected, depending on the area of the casino."
Audio from 10 additional satellite receivers, that feed video from ESPN and other programming sources for screens set up in multiple areas of the facility, is also routed through SymNet. Audio from microphones that can be plugged into floor boxes on the casino floor - used for on-the-spot announcements of big winners and promotions - is routed through SymNet. Additionally, SymNet handles input from ambient noise sensing microphones placed on the casino floor, which are used to automatically adjust the audio volume levels. A front desk-based paging system also is managed by SymNet. "As the background noise increases, the system automatically compensates," Schultz says. A total of 19 ambient noise-sensing mics are deployed in strategic areas of the casino. In all, some 400 speakers - most of them JBL units powered by Crown amplifiers - deliver sound across the casino. SymNet is also configured to tie into a Crestron video control system, and the casino's fire alarm system.
"The biggest positive about SymNet is its flexibility - the ability to take various pieces and come up with a system that's custom designed for your particular application," he says. "Plus, it's not limited to handling only your current needs. You can add on and expand on it as needed. As the casino expands, additional audio hookups will be needed, as will additional SymNet components."
(Lee Baldock)
