audio visual design guidelines v303 - aetm · however audio visual presentation and communications...

Audio Visual Design GuidelinesTertiary Teaching Spaces

Copyright 2015 | aetm.org Second Edition

DisclaimerUse of these Design Guidelines by any institution or person is entirely voluntary. Users are solely responsible for the correct

application of these guidelines and AETM does not assume responsibility for any loss or dispute arising from any use or misuse of these Guidelines. Compliance with the provisions of the Design Guidelines in whole or part does not confer

certification or endorsement by AETM or any such complying specification, design, installation, or system.

Contents

1 Introduction.................................................................................................................4

Scope,Purpose,andApplication.................................................................................41.1

AbouttheAudiovisual&EducationalTechnologyManagement................................41.2

AETMDesignGuidelinesDevelopers...........................................................................51.3

Disclaimer....................................................................................................................51.4

PublishingandCopyright.............................................................................................51.5

2 Process........................................................................................................................6

InternationalStandardsforanAVDesignProcess......................................................62.1

AudioVisualDesigner..................................................................................................72.2

AVDesignstagesandsignoffs....................................................................................72.3

3 EngagementoftheInstitution’sA/VStaff....................................................................9

ProjectInitiation..........................................................................................................93.1

Consultation................................................................................................................93.2

Communication.........................................................................................................103.3

Approvals...................................................................................................................103.4

Documentation..........................................................................................................113.5

4 Screens,SpecificationsandSightlines........................................................................12

Introduction...............................................................................................................124.1

RulesforScreenSizeandSightlines..........................................................................134.2

RecommendationsforScreens..................................................................................184.3

ImageQualityandLighting........................................................................................194.4

5 LightingDesignforTeachingSpaces...........................................................................23

StandardsCompliance:..............................................................................................235.1

Introduction...............................................................................................................235.2

LightingZonesandCircuits........................................................................................245.3

RatioofProjectedVersusAmbientor“Spilled’Light................................................255.4

TargetLightLevels.....................................................................................................265.5

LightFittingSelection................................................................................................305.6

Lightfittingplacement..............................................................................................315.7

Controlofexternalambientlightfromwindowsandskylights.................................315.8

Dimming....................................................................................................................325.9

UserControls...........................................................................................................325.10

AETM Design Guidelines for Tertiary Teaching Spaces: Second Edition V303

© 2015 Audiovisual & Educationl Technology Management Inc. Page 2 of 74

HouseLights............................................................................................................325.11

BoardLights.............................................................................................................335.12

“Stage”AreaLights..................................................................................................345.13

PresenterSpotlights................................................................................................345.14

AisleLights...............................................................................................................345.15

Exitlights.................................................................................................................345.16

Bioboxlights...........................................................................................................355.17

SpecialrequirementsforVideoConferencespaces................................................355.18

OccupancySensing..................................................................................................355.19

IntegrationwithAVControlSystems......................................................................355.20

Fire,Emergency,MechanicalServices(A/C)andBMSintegration.....................................365.21

DimmerLocation.....................................................................................................365.22

6 AcousticsinTeachingSpaces......................................................................................37

7 AudioReplaysystemsandPublicAddress..................................................................40

StandardsandLegislation..........................................................................................407.1

SystemFunctionality.................................................................................................407.2

Design:.......................................................................................................................417.3

HearingAugmentation..............................................................................................437.4

EWIS...........................................................................................................................437.5

EquipmentInstallation..............................................................................................437.6

Grounding..................................................................................................................437.7

LectureRecordingSystems........................................................................................447.8

8 ControlSystemIntegration........................................................................................45

9 WhiteboardsandWritingSurfaces.............................................................................46

StandardType............................................................................................................469.1

Multipleslidingboards..............................................................................................469.2

FixingHeight..............................................................................................................469.3

StorageforWritingMaterialsandErasers................................................................469.4

BoardLighting............................................................................................................469.5

Boardreflections.......................................................................................................469.6

10 EquipmentHousingandCablingStandardsforTeachingSpaces...............................47

ProvisionforRackMountedEquipment..................................................................4710.1

AccessforMaintenance..........................................................................................4710.2

Ventilation...............................................................................................................4810.3

GeneralProvisionsforEquipment...........................................................................4810.4

CableManagementStandards................................................................................4910.5



11 AudioVisualFit-Out:RecommendationsforSpecificRoomTypes............................52

INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................5211.1

PresentationOptions...............................................................................................5411.2

CollaborationOptions..............................................................................................5611.3

SizeandCapacityClassifications..............................................................................5811.4

12 LargeLearningSpaces..............................................................................................59

TechnologyChecklistforLargeSpaces....................................................................5912.1

DetailedRequirementsinLargeSpaces..................................................................6012.2

13 MediumLearningSpaces.........................................................................................62

TechnologyChecklistforMediumSpaces...............................................................6213.1

DetailedRequirementsinMediumSpaces..............................................................6313.2

14 SmallLearningandMeetingSpaces.........................................................................65

TechnologyChecklistforMediumSpaces...............................................................6514.1

DetailedRequirementsinMediumSpaces..............................................................6614.2

15 TheClassificationSysteminUse...............................................................................68

16 Sources,ReferencedPublicationsandReading.........................................................73

17 DefinitionsandAbbreviations..................................................................................74



1 Introduction

Scope, Purpose, and Application 1.1

The Design Guidelines assemble national and international benchmarks for audio visual

systemsinatertiaryeducationcontextanddrawuponthecollectiveexperienceofmembers

oftheassociationofAudiovisual&EducationalTechnologyManagement(AETM),theprime

industryassociationrepresentingaudiovisualprofessionalsinthetertiarysector.

TheDesignGuidelineshavetwoobjectives.

First, theyprovideusable advice forArchitects, Engineers andConsultants in theessential

requirementsforsuccessfullyintegratingaudiovisualsystemsinlearningspaces.

Second, to guide academic staff, project managers and administrative staff, in both best

practiceandminimumrequirementsforspecifictypesofAVfit-outinlearningspaces.These

sections have been developed by surveying themembership to bring together a national

consensusacrossmorethanthirtytertiaryinstitutions.

TheDesignGuidelinesdonotdefinearchitectural,electrical,oracoustic standards,nordo

theyreplacetheuseofapplicableAustralianandInternationalstandardsandbuildingcodes.

However audio visual presentation and communications facilities are essential tomodern

teaching and learning and the successful provision of AV functionality in tertiary learning

environments places specific requirements on the design of the space, the acoustic and

lightingenvironmentandtheprovisionofelectricalanddataservices.

By providing an underlying framework of design principles, the Design Guidelines

supplement the technology specific AV design guidelines and specifications developed by

individualinstitutions.

TheGuidelineswillbereviewedandupdatedregularlytoensuretheircontinuedrelevance.

The current and definitive copy will be stored online, accessible to all AETM members

.

About the Audiovisual & Educational Technology 1.2

Management

The AETM represents the Audio Visual professionals employed in the tertiary education

sector,oneofthe largestandmostactivesegmentsoftheAVindustry inAustralasia. Our

membersareresponsiblefortheAudioVisualtechnologyinteachingspaceswhichcaterfor

more than a million students. These comprise around 6,200 Lecture Theatres, Seminar

RoomsandspecialistteachingspaceswhichhavesignificantAudioVisualsystemsinstalled.

The association of AETM was formed in 2001 to develop cross-university links to share

expertise and provide opportunities for training and professional development. AETM

membersneed tobewidely skilled, for in addition to standardprojection, PAand control

systems, most Universities also manage Videoconference networks and more than half

operatesystemsforautomatedlecturerecordinganddelivery.



The Association currently organizes a national conference each year at which members

present papers on important projects and new developments in their institutions. Major

suppliersare invited toparticipate topresent technical sessions relevant to theUniversity

market. The association maintains an active mailing list and discussion forum which

membersusetoshareexpertiseandinformation. Theassociationalsofunctionsasafocal

pointforlinkswithotherAVorganizationssuchastheICIA.In2008,AETMhasestablisheda

formal linkwith equivalentUKprofessional body SCHOMSandextended the relationships

between University AV specialists internationally. Members now field advice from

colleagues across Britain and provide reciprocal presentations at each other’s major

conferences.

TofindoutmoreabouttheAETM,visitthewebsiteatwww.aetm.org.

AETM Design Guidelines Developers 1.3

AETMWorkingParty–DesignStandardsforTeachingSpaces

CommitteeComposition:

FirstEdition

DerekPowell UniversityofQueensland–Chair

RobertBull UniversityofNewcastle

JasonWheatley UniversityofSydney

SelwynCathcart Massey University

RegCollins UniversityofTechnologySydney

SecondEdition

JasonWheatley UniversityofSydney–Chair

SelwynCathcart Massey University

JohnVikstrom QueenslandUniversityofTechnology

RobertCameron SwinburneUniversityofTechnology

Disclaimer 1.4

UseoftheseDesignGuidelinesbyany institutionorperson isentirelyvoluntary.Usersare

solelyresponsibleforthecorrectapplicationoftheseguidelinesandAETMdoesnotassume

responsibility for any loss or dispute arising from any use or misuse of these Guidelines.

Compliancewith theprovisionsof theDesignGuidelines inwholeorpartdoesnot confer

certification or endorsement by AETM of any such complying specification, design,

installationorsystem.

Publishing and Copyright 1.5

TheseDesignGuidelineswerefirstpublishedinNovember2010.

Thisedition©2012AETM.

NocopyingoftheseDesignGuidelinesispermitted(exceptforanypurposefallingwithinthe

fair dealing provisions of the Copyright Act 1968)without priorwritten permission of the

AETM.Forpermission,contactthePresident,AETMviathewebsiteatwww.aetm.org.

2 Process

The design of modern learning spaces with integrated educational technology requires a

coordinatedprojectteamandcollaborativeprocessfromtheearlieststagesofprojectdefinitionand

conceptdesign. Thesolutionsneededtomeettherequirementsofmodernteachingand learning

oftenincludedistributedAVsolutionswithsophisticatedmediaandcommunicationstechnology.

The educational technology solution chosen for each venue can substantially change the spacial

requirementsandbudgetforlearningspaces.ThereforeitiscriticaltoconsiderAVsolutionsatthe

early feasibility stages of the project. To formulate a project preliminary budget or architectural

conceptwithouttheearlyinputofAVexpertisewillputtheprojectatriskunnecessarily.Themost

costeffectivetimetomakechangesisearlyintheprojectlifecycle.

AVexpertiseisrequiredattheearliestfeasibilitystagesto:

• documentthetechnologyfunctionalityrequirementsofthosewhowillusethespaces

• discusstechnologyoptionswithclientsandstakeholdersincludingtheinstitution’sAVstaff

• develop a technology concept that can then be incorporated into the project feasibility

assessment,preliminarybudgetestimateandthedesignbriefthatgoestomarket.

Anysuccessfulprojectwhichincludesaprofessionalaudiovisualinstallationmustprovideforclear

definitionandmanagementofgoals,processes,resources,andresponsibilitiesbetweenthedesign

andinstallationprojectteamsandtheclient.Thisbecomesevenmorevitalinthetertiaryeducation

environmentwherenewinstallationsmustfunctioninthecontextofexistingintegratedAVSystems

andtheneedsofadiverseendusergroup.

AETMsupportsthecontentionoftheInternationalCommunicationsIndustryAssociation(ICIA)that:

Aproperlydocumentedaudiovisualsystemprovidestheinformationnecessarytounderstandand

implement the system goals and project requirements in a logical and efficient manner. The

documentation should complement and coordinate related architectural, engineering, and

constructiondocumentation1.

Whethertheparticularprojectinvolvesaconsultant,adesignandconstruct(D&C)contract,oranin-

housefit-outsuppliedbythe institution, it isvitalthatthedesignandconstructionteamsnotonly

documentproperly,butalsoconsultadequately(andinatimelyfashion)withtheinstitution’saudio

visualservicesstaff.

Thissectionprovidesguidanceastohowthismaybestbeachieved.

International Standards for an AV Design Process 2.1

AETM supports industry wide initiatives to define professional practice in Audio Visual Systems

design and in particular the ANSI/INFOCOMM 2M-2010: Standard Guide for Audiovisual Systems

DesignandCoordinationProcesses.

TocomplywiththeAETMDesignGuidelinesthedesignprocessforAVsystemsandthecoordination

ofAVdesigninbuildingprojectsmustfollowtheANSI/INFOCOMM2M-2010standard(asamended).

One or more copies of the standard shall be purchased by the project and used to define the

services required and process to be followed. The standard is available for purchase from:

http://webstore.ansi.org/RecordDetail.aspx?sku=ANSI%2FINFOCOMM+2M-2010

1ANSI/INFOCOMM2M-2010:StandardGuideforAudiovisualSystemsDesignandCoordinationProcesses.



Audio Visual Designer 2.2

Theroleoftheaudiovisual“Designer”asdefinedbytheANSI/INFOCOMM2M-2010standardmust

be performed by a specialist experienced in tertiary audio visual design. The designer may be

sourcedfromaservicesconsultingfirmwithadedicatedAVspecialistteam,orfromtheAVdesign

staffofthetertiaryinstitution.OneormoreAVdesignersmaybeinvolvedatvariousstagesofthe

project. Theminimumqualifications and experience criteria for the key project personnel of any

proposedAVDesignershallbe:

AnInfocommCTS-Dqualificationwithminimum1yearofrelevantexperience,aportfolioof

AV schematics and built designs created by that individual that are assessed by the

institution’sAVstaffassatisfactoryandtwopositiveclientreferees

OR

3yearsofintensiveandrelevantexperienceasanAVdesigner,aportfolioofAVschematics

forbuiltdesignscreatedbythatindividualthatareassessedbytheinstitution’sAVstaffas

satisfactoryandtwopositiveclientreferees

Unless they include a dedicated specialist AV teamwith the above experience and qualifications,

generalistelectricalengineeringconsulting firmsdonothave the requiredskillsandexperience to

designAVsolutionsforthetertiarysector.

AV Design stages and sign offs 2.3

TheAVdesignermustactivelyparticipate,bothpriorto,andattheconsultationand“signoff”points

intheprojectdefinitionanddetaileddesignprocesses2.

I.ProjectPlanningandCoordination

Input from the Institution’s own AV Design team or from an AV Consultant ismost useful in the

planningstage toproperlyestablish thescope for theproject.Bestpractice is tousespecialistAV

adviceatthefollowingstages:

• Initialandsubsequentclientconsultationmeetingstodefinetheprojectbrief

• Signoffontheprojectdesignbriefforbiddingarchitecturaldesignteams.

• SignoffontheAVsectionsofthepreliminarybudgetestimate

II.Briefing/ConceptDesign

It is important toavoidoverorunder-resourcing theAV fitoutby conductingadiscipline specific

“NeedsAnalysis”.ThisshouldinvolvetheAVDesignerorConsultantworkingwiththeprojectteam

andmayincludeinterviewswiththewiderusergrouptoseparate“needs”from“wants”.

AproperlyexecutedAudioVisualReturnBrief&ConceptDesignisinvaluableatSDstagetocorrectly

identify budget requirements and design strategies for teaching spaces. Standard Quantity

2Thelistcontainsonlyheadings.RefertotheANSI/INFOCOMM2M-2010standardforadetaileddescription

oftheAVdesignservicesanddeliverablesrequiredfromtheAVDesigner



Surveyingmethodologyoftenfailstoaccuratelycapturerequirementsforteachingspacesandthis

canleadtopoorbudgetaryoutcomesifAVisleftuntilDetailedDesignstage.

BestpracticeinvolvementbytheAVDesignerorconsultantisatthefollowingstages:

• Atprojectkick-offconsultationmeeting(s)

• SignoffonSketchorConceptDesign

III.DetailedDesign

Architecture and Infrastructure requirements related to teaching spaces will be clearly defined

throughtheAVDesigner’sinputandthroughthevariousdocumentationtheywillproduce.

AtDD Stage, theDesigner should sign-off on sightlines and viewing conditions aswell as defining

neededelectricalanddatainfrastructureinteaching,learningandmeetingspaces.

The AV Designer or Consultant will produce the AV specific tender package documentation (or

overseethein-housedesignestimation)andmustsign-offpriortotenderissue.

TheDesignerorConsultantwillnormallyrecommend(orapprove,dependingontheinstitutionand

thecontract)theselectionoftheAudioVisualSystemsIntegratorwhowillmanagethefit-out.

IV.Constructionphase

During construction, the AV Designer or Consultantmust provide advice and help to resolve any

issuesthatariseconcerningAVinfrastructure.Theymustalsosignoffonacceptancetestingofthe

completedsystemandprovidetheiroverallsignoffonprojectcompletion.



3 Engagement of the Institution’s A/V Staff

Sincetheprojectwillalmostcertainlyhavetofitwithinthe institution’sexistingAV infrastructure,

theAETMmandatesthattheinstitution’saudiovisualservicesstaffbeinvolvedintheprocessfrom

theConceptDesignphase.Oftentheinstitution’sAVstaffhaveyearsofpracticalexperiencespecific

toeducationaltechnologyinthatinstitutionandareavaluableresourcetotheproject.Longafter

theprojectteamhasforgottenabouttheproject,theinstitution’sAVstaffwillbesupportingwhat

wasbuilt,sotheyareineverysenseastakeholder.

The followingguidelines for theengagementof the institution’sAV staffhavebeenadapted from

the Design Guidelines of the University of Technology Sydney. With thewritten approval of the

institution’sAVservicesmanagement,someoftheprocesseslistedbelowmaybedelegatedtothe

appointedAVdesigner.

Project Initiation 3.1

In addition to the AV designer, the institution’s AV Services staff should be involved in briefings

during the project definition/development phase. AV solutions in modern learning spaces have

changed dramatically in recent years and AV presentation and communications technology for

meeting spaces is often a critical facility for research collaboration. The knowledge that academic

staffhaveofpresentationandcommunicationstechnologyisoftenbasedonwhattheyhavehadin

thepast.TheAVservicesstaffcanusetheirexperienceofmoderneducationaltechnologyandthe

institutiontoassistclientsandprojectstafftoidentifyaffordabletechnologyoptionsthatbestfitthe

currentandfutureeducationalneeds

ToallowAVServicestoparticipateeffectivelytheyshouldbeadvisedinwritingoftheproposed:

• Criticaldatesandmilestones

• ProjectStakeholders

• ExternalConsultants

In preparation of budgets, the existing Audio Visual Infrastructure and the level of support from

UniversityAVServicesmustbetakenintoaccount.

Where a project proposes a modification of any existing audio visual facilities or where building

workswill directly or indirectly affect existing systems, theProject Planner /Managermust advise

theinstitution’saudiovisualservicesmanagementinwritingduringtheprojectdefinitionstage.

Consultation 3.2

Consultationwiththeinstitution’sAVServicesstaffisessentialforanyprojectwheretheproposed

functionalityofthespacerequirespresentationtechnology.

Inparticular,AVservicesstaffmustbemustbegivenadequatenoticeoftheproposedtenderissue

datesto:

• AllowforthepreparationofAVspecifications;or(whereanexternalconsultantisinvolved)

• Allowforthereviewofsuchspecificationspriortoissue



Onecalendarmonthshouldbe regardedas theminimumnotification toUniversityAVServicesof

thepostingoftenderdocumentation.

Theinstitution’saudiovisualservicesstaffmustbeconsultedto:

• specifybrandsandmodelsof certainequipment toensure commonality andeaseof fleet

maintenance

• specify access requirements to equipment, housings and cabling to ensuremaintainability

andsafeworkingconditions

• specify electrical interconnection standards to ensure compatibility with portable or user

suppliedequipment

Communication 3.3

The institution’s AV services management must be informed of all project related site meeting

schedulesandconsultantmeetingswhereappropriate.

Specific documentation for each project is to be forwarded to the AV Services management

including:

• FloorPlans

• Elevations

• Reflectedceilingdrawings

• Electricaldrawings

• Audiovisual,LightingandAcousticsConsultantsReports

• WorksSchedule

• Listofrelevantsub-contractors

Notethatdrawingsshouldbesuppliedinelectronicformformark-up.

Approvals 3.4

SupplyofSamplesforApproval

ComponentsdetailedinAVspecificationssuppliedeitherbyinstitution’sAVservicesstafforaspart

of approved tender documentation provided by consultants cannot be substituted without the

expresswrittenconsentoftheinstitution.Forverificationofspecifiedcomponents,sub-contractors

must produce samples for inspection by a representative of institution’s AV services staff. This

particularly applies to those components that form the infrastructure of the installation including

cables,connectors,conduit,cabletrays,ductingandmountingbrackets.

FinalPositioning

Unless specificallynoted,drawingscontained inAVSpecificationspreparedby the institution’sAV

services staff that show installed positions are indicative only. Final positions for installed

componentsmustbeapprovedon-sitebytheappropriateUniversityAVServicesmanagerorhis/her

delegate.



AcceptanceTesting

The institution’sAV services staffwill inspect the installation to confirm that it complieswith the

tenderspecification.

Documentation 3.5

BriefDevelopment

The institution’sAVservices staffwillbeavailable toassistwithbriefdevelopmentand shouldbe

involvedinthefirstroundofconsultation.

As-BuiltDrawings

Copiesofallshopdrawingsandasbuiltdrawingsaretobeprovidedtotheinstitution’sAVservices

staffatpracticalcompletion.

Asuitablyprotectedsetofdocumentationshouldbeprovidedonsite,preferablylocatedinaholder

locatedintheequipmentrack.Alldrawingsaretocomplywiththeinstitution’sdrawingstandards

orwiththeANSIStandardreferencedabove.



4 Screens, Specifications and Sightlines

Introduction 4.1

DesignGoals

Screenbasedpresentationsarecrucialpartofmodernteachingandlearningpractice.Thecontent

displayedcanvarybetween:

• PowerPointpresentations

• videosandcinema,

• websitesofallkinds

• spreadsheets

• detailed,graphs,chartsplansandillustrations

• finetextfrombooks,magazinesandwebsites

• scientificdataandvisualisations

• andmuchmore

SpecifyingPresentationScreensandCeilingHeights

To enable the detailed content to be read by all the audience the display screen(s) must be of

sufficientsizeinproportiontothedistanceofthefurthestaudiencemember.

Consequently thedeterminationof thescreensizemustnotbeanarbitrarydecision,but rathera

result of the strict application of the viewing distance rules below. Stated as a simple “rule of

thumb”,theaimistomakethescreenlargeenoughforthoseinthebackrowtoreadthe10ptbody

textofastandardwebsite,butnotsolargeastooverwhelmtheclosestviewer.

Unless designed to be fit for purpose, the ceiling heights the presentation spaces of modern

buildingscanbeinsufficienttoallowappropriatelysizedscreens.Suchlowheightspacesputtheir

originalpurposeatriskbymakingpresentationshardtoseeorbylimitingclasssize.Asimpleruleto

rememberisthatiftheroomislongerthan7.5mthentheceilingheightmustbegreaterthan2.7m

toprovideacceptablescreenviewing.

AudienceAreaandAnglesofView

Theacceptableareaforaudienceplacementinfrontofascreenisdeterminedbythehorizontaland

vertical angle of view as well as the distance to the display for the closest and furthest viewers.

Thesefactorsmustalsobedeterminedbytheapplicationofthefollowingrulesandnotbedefined

inanad-hocmanner.

MultipleScreens

Inmanyeducationalorganisations thepresentationof two independent images isnowastandard

requirement for medium to large presentation spaces. Independent dual screens/displays allow

educatorstopresentcomplementaryinformation.Forexample:aPowerPointpresentationonone

screenandlivenotationonavisualiserontheother.



ScreenAspectRatio

Wide screen and high definition has been the standard for video and television in Australia since

2001andmostmodernlaptopshaveawidescreendisplay.

AETMrecommendsprojectionineitherthe16:9or16:10ratioasthisbettermatchesmodernfilm

andtelevisionprogrammingandcomplimentstheoutputofwidescreenlaptopsandmaterialsuch

asspreadsheets.

PartialConformity

The AETM recognises that site conditions, Heritage considerations, and other factors sometimes

cause difficulty with full compliance to all of the rules for screens listed below, especially during

refurbishmentprojects.

Compliance is often most difficult for those audience members seated closest to the screens.

Teachingspacestypicallyfillfromtheback,withfrontrowsmorelikelytobeempty.Consequentlyif

compromiseregardingaruleisunavoidable,thenitispreferablethattherulescompromisedrelate

toviewingangles(whichwillprimarilyaffecttheclosestviewers)ratherthanthemaximumviewing

distance versus display size rule (Rule 1). Agreement in writing for any compromise must be

obtainedfromtheAVdesignerandtheAVstaffrepresentativeoftheinstitution.

To remain in compliancewith theAETMDesignGuidelinesnomore than10%of the seats in any

teachingspacecanfalloutsideanyrule.

Rules for Screen Size and Sightlines 4.2

Rule1:ScreenHeightandMaximumViewingDistance

Theheightoftheprojectionscreenorflatpaneldisplayshallbenolessthanthedistance

fromthecentreofthescreentofurthestaudiencememberdividedby5.3

BackgroundtoRule1

The calculation of the minimum allowable screen height or conversely the maximum allowable

viewingdistanceforagivenscreenheight,dependsonthenatureofthematerialdisplayedandthe

intent of the viewer. The AETM recognises two applicable standards and provide guidelines that

takeaccountofboth.

Internationally, the ICIA standards specify three types of viewing tasks. In the context of tertiary

instruction,where students are required topay closeattention to screen imagesand (often) take

notes,twoofthesearegenerallyapplicable:

• DetailedViewingTasks(e.g.notetakingfromtextbasedslides)

• Inspection Viewing Tasks (e.g. viewing graphic material such as complex mathematical

equations,engineeringdrawingsormedicalslidescontainingspecificdetailsuchasx-rays)

ICIArecommendationsforDetailedViewingTasks(textbased)are:

Theheightoftheprojectionscreenorflatpaneldisplayshallbenolessthanthedistanceto

furthestaudiencememberdividedby6.



ICIArecommendationsforInspectionViewingTasks(detailedgraphics)are:

Theheightoftheprojectionscreenorflatpaneldisplayshallbenolessthanthedistanceto

furthestaudiencememberdividedby4.

Individual institutions sometimes provide in-house standards that provide for some spaces to

conformtotheICIArecommendationsforDetailedViewingTasksanddefineaviewingratioof6:1

for appropriate spaces. Sometimes a ratio of 4:1 as per the stricter ICIA recommendations for

detailedgraphicswillbedefinedforspecialistclassrooms(especiallyindisciplinessuchasMedicine

andEngineering).

The resolution of the projector or display must also be considered when determining the

appropriatesizing ratio tobeused. ForexampleahighdefinitionWUXGAprojector (1920x1200

pixels) requires a screen substantially larger than one used with XGA orWXGA projectors if the

readabilityoftextanddetailedimagesistobemaintained. Whenusinghighdefinitiondisplaysor

projectors with a vertical resolution of 1080 pixels ormore, the use of the AETM recommended

screensizingratiobelowshouldbetreatedasanabsoluteminimumand considerationshouldbe

giventomorestringentratios.

Recognisingthatmostclassroomsandlecturetheatresare

general purpose and may cater for both kinds of tasks,

AETMrecommendsthat:

The height of the projection screen or flat panel display

shall beno less than thedistance from the centreof the

screentofurthestaudiencememberdividedby5.3

ApplicationofRule1

Where“H” isequal to theheightof theprojectionscreen, the furthestviewermustbe seatedno

morethanadistanceequalto5.3xHfromthecentreofthescreen.

Conversely, foragivendistancefromthecentreofthescreentothefurthestseatingposition,the

screen height must be at least equal to that distance divided by 5.3.



The tablebelow indicates examplesofmaximumdistances servicedby standard, commonly available 16:10

screen sizes. “Maximum Viewing Distance” is the distance to the furthest audiencemembermeasured in

metres(tonearest10cm).Notestandardsizesareoftenspecifiedinimperialmeasure.

Maximum Viewing Distances

16:10 Screens

Diagonal Inches (mm)

Width (viewable

area in mm)

Height (viewable

area in mm)

ICIA Detailed Viewing

H x 6

ICIA Inspection

Viewing H x 4

AETM

Recommended H x 5.3

84(2130) 1810 1131 6.8m 4.5m 6.0m

96(2440) 2070 1294 7.8m 5.2m 6.9m

100(2540) 2155 1347 8.1m 5.4m 7.1m

120(3050) 2585 1616 9.7m 6.5m 8.6m

130(3300) 2880 1800 10.8m 7.2m 9.5m

150(3810) 3230 2019 12.1m 8.1m 10.7m

200(5000) 4300 2700 16.2m 10.8m 14.3m

300(7600) 6450 4000 24.0m 16.0m 21.2m

Thefigurebelowisprovidedasa“quickreference”toillustratetheincreasingheightrequirements

asthefloorspacebecomeslarger.Theceilingheightatthepointwherethescreenisfixedmust

benolessthaninthetablebelow.

Notes:Ifbulkheads,airconditioningducts,beamsorotherceilingobstructionsarepresentatthepointwhere

the screen is to be fixed, the clear space under the obstruction is to be considered as the ceiling height

available.Ceiling fansor suspended lightsmustalsobe taken intoaccountwhencalculating theclear space

available for thescreen. It is recommendedthatsuchobstructionsbeavoidedwhereverpossibleduring the

developmentofthearchitecturaldesign.

Ceiling height calculations based on 5.3 ratio, 1.2m off floor

and projection screen case under the ceiling

Distance to Furthest Audience Member Required Ceiling

Height (m)

<7.5m 2.7

7.6-8m 2.8

8.1-8.5m 2.9

8.6-9.1m 3.0

9.2-9.6m 3.1

9.7m-10.1m 3.2

10.8-11.2m 3.4

11.8-12.2 3.6

12.9-13.3m 3.8

13.9-14.4m 4.0

Forevery475mmextradistanceadd100mmceilingheight



Rule2:MaximumHorizontalViewingAngle

The maximum horizontal viewing angle shall be 45 degrees angle from the centre line of the

screen.

Notes:Thelegibilityoftextandimageswillbetoocompromisedatgreaterangles.Forwidespaces

repeaterscreensmaybeanoption.

Rule3:MaximumVerticalViewingAngle

Themaximum vertical viewing angle shall be nomore than (plus or minus) 15 degrees to the

centreoftheimage,measuredfromperpendicularatseatedeyeheight(1270mmAFFL)fromthe

front row centre seat. For tight spaces, this rule may be relaxed to a maximum angle of 35

degreestotheTOPofscreen.

Notes:Theruleaimstopreventneckandeyestrainforaudiencemembers.

Rule4:ScreenBottomEdgeMinimumDistancefromtheFloor

Forflatfloorvenueswithanunobstructedviewthescreenshallbepositionedsothatthebottom

edgeoftheviewableareaisnolessthan1.2mabovethefloor.

Notes: The preferred height is 1.35m or more. In tiered venues the height may be lowered

marginallytosuit,howeverthedecisiononthescreenpositionmusttakeintoaccountthepotential

issueofglare in thepresenter’seyes fromtheprojector. In labsorother spaceswhere thereare

obstructions,thescreenmustbepositionedtoallowforaclearviewoveroraroundtheobstructions

whileatthesametimestayingtakingintoaccountthemaximumviewingangles.



Illustrations

Showsthefloorplanofarectangularlecturetheatrewhichmeetstherequirementsfor

viewinganglesanddistances.H=screenheight.

Showsthefloorplanofanauditoriumstylelecturetheatrewhichmeetstherequirements

forviewinganglesanddistances.H=screenheight.

450

Farthestviewer≤5.3xH

Farthestviewer

≤5.3xH



Recommendations for Screens 4.3

ViewingConditionsforDualorMultipleScreens

Wherea teaching space is fittedwithmore thanonescreen, the rules shouldbeapplied foreach

screen toensure that,wheredifferent information is tobedisplayedoneach screen, theviewing

areafallswithinthemaximumdistancesandwithinacceptableangleofviewforbothscreens.This

involvescalculatingdistancesandanglesforviewerto“worstcase”screen.

On the advice of the institution and in the case where identical information is displayed on all

screens,thecalculationsmaybemadefor“bestcase”.

RecommendationsforDualProjection/Display

DualprojectionisrecommendedbyAETMasbestpracticeforpresentingeducationalmaterialon

screen.Dualprojectionisadoptedbymosteducationalinstitutionsforlecturetheatresandlarger

presentationspaces.Thebenefitsare:

• Abilitytopresentcomplimentaryand/orcomparativematerialsimultaneously

• Theabilityformostpresentationstocontinueshouldalamporprojectorfail

• Improvedsightlinesforaudiencemembersonthesides(whenshowingthesameimageon

bothprojectors)

• Bettersupportforvideoconferenceapplications

RecommendationsforScreenAspectRatio

Aprojectionareaorscreenwitha16:10(widthtoheight)ratioisrecommendedforlecturetheatres.

ThisisidealforthetypicaldisplayratioadoptedbymostwidescreenPCsandlaptopsandalsosuits

modernfilmandtelevisionprogrammingpresentedin16:9ratio.

Whendirectviewmonitorsareused,AETMrecommends theuseofmonitorswitha16:10aspect

ratiowhereavailable;however16:9(typicallythestandardaspectratiofor largermonitors) isalso

acceptable.

RecommendationsforProjectorPlacement

VerticalPosition

Theheightthataprojector ispositioned isdependentonanumberoffactors. Eachprojectorhas

differentopticalcharacteristicsandamanufacturersrecommendedverticalpositioninrelationtoa

given screen size. To ensure a high quality image the projector must be installed in the

manufacturer’s recommended vertical position. Higher quality installation grade projectors often

include a lens shift function that allows a range of vertical positions to be used. In all cases the

projectormustbeinstalledhorizontallylevel.Commonlythehighestpositionthataprojectorwith

lensshiftcanachieveislevelwiththetopofthescreenimagearea.Theuseofelectronickeystone

correction to correct the optical aberrations caused by the incorrect placement of a projector is

generallyunacceptablesinceevensmallamountsorelectronickeystonedegradestheclarityofthe

image.

HorizontalPosition



Thedecisionontheplacementoftheprojectorisalsoinfluencedbyanumberofconsiderations:

• Easeofmaintenance,

• Projectornoiseintrusion

• Thepresenter’sworkableareainfrontofthescreenfreefromprojectorglare.

• Theadditionalcostoftelephotoorshortthrow(wideanglelenses)

• Securityconcerns

Wherethevenueisequippedwithaprojectionbooth,themaintenance,securityandnoisebenefits

ofplacingtheprojector(s)thereareconsiderable.

Theabilityofthepresenterstowalkinfrontofthescreenwithoutcontendingwiththeglarefrom

the projector in their faces is also an important factor to be considered with possible OH&S

implications.Thecloseraprojectoristothescreenthesteepertheangleoflightandthemoreglare

freeworkareaiscreated.Seetheillustrationbelow:

Thisissuebecomesevenmorecriticalforinteractivewhiteboardapplications.Consequentlyarange

ofultra-shortthrowprojectorsareavailablethatovercometheproblem.

Howevershortthrowtechnologyisonlysuitableforascreenwithagainof1orless.Wheregainisa

factor (for example in rear projection) screen manufacturers3 recommend that the projector be

placedatadistanceofgreaterthan1.6xscreenwidth(16:10)toavoidexcessiveanglesofincidence

whichwillcausebrightnessissuesattheedgesofthepicture.

Image Quality and Lighting 4.4

3April2007Da-LiteScreenCompanyAnglesofreflectionV1Issue2



ContrastRatioStandardforProjectedImages

(Seealsosection5.4RatioofProjectedVersusAmbientor“Spilled’Light)

StandardsCompliance

To provide acceptable legibility for projected images, the contrast ratio (the difference between

peak white and “black” in the projected picture) must fall within defined minimum limits. The

contrast ratioachievable ina teachingspacedependsupon thebrightnessof theprojected image

(the“peakwhite”)andcruciallyupontheamountofambientlightfallingontheprojectionsurface

(whichdeterminesthe“black”orminimumlevel).

AETMendorsestheANSI/ICIApublishedspecificationregardingcontrastratiosinprojectedimages:

ANSI/INFOCOMM3M-2011:ProjectedImageSystemContrastRatio

TocomplywiththeAETMDesignGuidelines, inspacesthatuseprojectedimagestheAVDesigner

andLightingDesignermustdesignAVsystemsandlightingsystemstomeettheANSI/INFOCOMM

3M-2011ProjectedImageSystemContrastRatiostandard.Copiesofthestandardareavailablefor

purchasefrom:

http://webstore.ansi.org/RecordDetail.aspx?sku=ANSI/INFOCOMM+3M-2011

ApplicationoftheANSI/INFOCOMM3M-2011standardinlearningenvironments.

Inteachingspacedesign,andinparticularinlightingdesign,ambientlightfromallsourcesmustbe

controlledsothatthefollowingminimumrecommendationsregardingcontrastratioareachievable

attheanypointontheimagearea.Measurementmustbeaccordingtotheprocedureoutlinedin

theANSI/Infocommstandardreferredtoabove.

Projection Type Examples Minimum Contrast Ratio

TextandNumerals Bullet point text, documents, spread

sheets,chartsandgraphs

7:1

Pictorial Black and white or colour

photographs,artwork,illustrations

15:1

MotionPictures Film,video,ortelevisionprograms 80:1(bestpractice)

50:1(minimumacceptable

forclassroomviewing)

Table4-1:ProjectedContrastRatios

Inlecturetheatresandothertertiaryeducationpresentationspacesthestandardlightingpre-setfor

projectedpresentationsalsoprovidesworkable levelsof light forstudentnote taking.Thispre-set

wouldcorrespondwiththe7:1contrastratiotarget.Commonlythenextlightingpre-setinalecture

theatreprovides lower light levels in the space.Thepurposeof thispre-set is toprovide thebest

qualityofimagepossiblewhilestillaccommodatingnotetakingbystudents.The15:1contrastratio

target is appropriate for this pre-set. The final pre-set in a theatre is usually reserved for the

presentation of cinema or similar material. A 50:1 contrast ratio target is appropriate for these

purposesinaneducationalenvironment.

TheANSI/INFOCOMMstandardforcontrastratiosmayonoccasionsbedifficulttoachievewhileat

the same time providing sufficient light to illuminate the presenter and the students’ writing

surfaces,howeveritisessentialthatitisachieved.Alluncontrolledlightthatreflectsoffsurfacescan



bedetrimental.Lightcoloured floorcoveringsand furniturenear theprojectionscreensshouldbe

avoided asmuch as possible since theywill reflect significant amounts of light from the spot and

stagelightsontothescreens.

RecommendationsforMinimumProjectorBrightness

Large venues require large screens,which in turn requirepowerful projectors. For example,using

the inverse square law we know that a screen twice the width requires a projector 4 times as

powerfultoachievethesamebrightnessonthescreen.ANSIlumensisameasureoflightemitted

byaprojectorandLuxisameasureoflightfallingonagivenarea.Acommontargetforprojectionis

500 Lux for anygiven screen size. This target isusually achievable for small tomid-sizedvenues;

howeverthisisprogressivelymoredifficulttoachieveinlargevenueswithouttheuseofexpensive

cinemagradeprojectors.Forlargevenuesamoreachievableandaffordabletargetforlargevenues

is300Lux,howeverthisreducedtargetwillonlycomplywiththeANSIcontrastratiostandardifthe

lightingiscarefullydesignedtosignificantlyrestrictambientorspilledlightfallingontheprojection

screen(s).

The AETM recommends that for all spaces ofmore than 100 seat capacity the following process

occuratthecommencementofthedetaileddesignphase:

• TheAVDesignerprovidestotheLightingDesignerforsignoffthecalculatedLUXvaluesfor

theproposedprojectionscreenandprojectorssolution.

• The Lighting Designer provides for sign off by the AV designer the results of a computer

lightingmodel of the proposed lighting design that confirms the achievement of the 7:1,

15:1and50:1contrasttargetsmandatedbytheANSIstandardforcontrastratios.

Asageneral reference the tablebelowprovidesaguide to the recommendedminimumprojector

lightoutput.

Screen Size (Diagonal)

Screen Width

Screen Height

Projector ANSI

Lumens

100”(250cm) 2.15m 1.35m 3000

120”(330cm) 2.6m 1.6m 4000

150”(380cm) 3.2m 2.0m 5000

200”(500cm) 4.3m 2.7m 7000

>200”(500cm) >4.3m >4.3mSpecialistHi

Power

Notes: Based on standard (imperial measure) screen sizes – metric equivalents are approximate

ProjectionSurfaces

Projectionshouldideallybeontomattwhite,purposemanufacturedprojectionscreenmaterialwith

againof1.0.(Gainisameasureofscreensurfacereflectivity).Screensmaybefixedorretractable.



Wherehigh gainor rear projection screenmaterial is used, themanufacturer’s recommendations

regardingoptimumviewinganglemustbefollowed.

WallsasScreens

Walls are acceptable as projection surfaces so long as they are painted flat (matt)white and are

uniformly flat and perpendicular to the projector and the audience. Special paint is available for

projectionwallsandmaybespecifiedbythestandardsofindividualinstitutions.

WhiteboardandWritableSurfaces

Whiteboards are generally not suitable for use as projection screen surfaces as the shiny surface

causes unacceptable glare and hot-spotting. Where whiteboard surfaces are used in special

circumstances(forexamplein interactivewhiteboardinstallations)theprojectorusedshouldbeof

theultra-shortthrowtypesothatmostglareisreflectedawayfromtheaudiencearea.

Glasswritingsurfacesarenotsuitableasprojectionscreens.

RecommendationsforFlatScreenTechnology

The cost of flat screen display technology has reduced significantly and for small venues and

especiallysmallvideoconferencevenues,itisnowtherecommendeddisplaytechnology.

The selection andplacementof flat screendisplaysmustbe governedby the same size and sight

lines rules as for projection screens (refer Section Error! Reference source not found. Error!

Reference sourcenot found.). Thereforeadisplayof around165cm (65”)diagonalwill service a

roomofaround4.5minlength.

RecommendationsforVideoConferenceVenues

Thedisplaytechnologyinvideoconferencevenuesisoftenrequiredtoperformthedualfunctionof

bothvideoconferencecallsandpresentationsandshouldbesizedusingtheguidelinesabove.

Thecamerasused to capturevideoconference images requirehigher lighting levels thangenerally

neededfornote-takinginlecturetheatresandseminarrooms.Generallyflatpaneldisplays(suchas

LCDpanels)aremuchbetteratcopingwithhighlevelsofambientlight.Accordingly,largeflatpanel

displaysaretherecommendedtechnologyforsmallandmediumsizedvideoconferencevenues.

Further information on videoconferencing may be found in later sections of these guidelines

includingSection5.18.



5 Lighting Design for Teaching Spaces

Standards Compliance: 5.1

Lightingmustmeet the requirementsofAustralianandNewZealandStandards -AS/NZS1680 for

Lighting (as amended) and the relevant government building codes. In particular lighting must

conformtotherelevantsectionsof:

AS/NZS1680.2.1:2008(asamended)Interiorandworkplacelighting-Specificapplications-

Circulationspacesandothergeneralareas

AS/NZS1680.2.2:2008(asamended)

Interiorandworkplacelighting-Specificapplications-Officeandscreen-basedtasks


Interiorandworkplacelighting-Specificapplications-Educationalandtrainingfacilities

Note that it is common for individual Universities to have their own specifications in conjunction

withthesestandardsandadviceshouldbesoughtfromrelevantpersonnel.

Introduction 5.2

The presentation of PowerPoint slides, websites and other visual material is an essential part of

modernteachingandlearningandtheclarityoftheseimagesiscriticaltothesuccessfuluseofthe

venue. Poor lighting design can ruin the effectiveness of projected presentations making them

“washedout”andhardtoread.Consequently,theimportanceoflightingdesigninallpresentation

andteachingspacescannotbeover-emphasized.

DesignGoals

Inthemajorityofteachingspaces,thelightingdesignmusthavethefollowingobjectives:

• Controlallambientlighttoallowtherequiredcontrastinprojectedimages

• Providenotetakinglightandifrequiredtasklightingforstudents

• Properlyilluminatethepresenterwherevertheyareinthepresentationarea

• Properlyilluminateanydemonstrationandpresenterworkspaces

SelectionofLightFittings

The legibility of projected images is totally dependent on the careful selection, arrangement and

control of light fittings. It is essential to select fittingswhichprovideahighdegreeofdirectional

control. Lighting divided into zones; dimming (or at least selective switching); directional ambient

and task lighting; spot lights; and easy to use control systems are the tools required to achieve

effectivelightinginpresentationandteachingspaces.

Duringapresentationdifferent lightingsettingsmayberequired inrapidsuccession. It isessential

that the lightsusedbecapableofbeing switchedonandoff (ordimmed)quickly. Lightingwhich

requires long delays between extinguishment and re-strike, or fittings which take more than 10

secondstoachievemaximumbrightnessarenotsuitableforgeneralpurposeteachingspaces.

Control

Presenters need access to flexible but easy-to-use lighting controls located at the presentation

position. Bestpractice involves the integrationof lighting controlwith theAVcontrol system. In

largerspacesthisisanessentialrequirement.



Lighting Zones and Circuits 5.3

Smalltomid-sizedteachingandpresentationspaceswithprojection

Forsmalltomid-sizedteachingandpresentationspaceswithprojectionthreelightingcircuits*are

theminimumthatshallbeprovidedtoallowsufficientzonecontroloflighting.Eachofthecircuits

shouldpreferablybecontrolledbyaseparatedimmerorbyarelaycontrolledcontactorifthisisnot

possible.

Provideseparatelightfittingsandswitchingcircuitsfor:

1. Frontlightsthatspilldirectlyonthescreen(includingboardlights)

2. Directionaltask/spot lightingto illuminatethepresenteratthe lecternorpresentation

positionwithoutspillonthescreen.

3. Audiencearearoomlights

*Otherzones/circuitsmaybeusedifrequired,andtheseshouldbeswitchedordimmedseparately.

Directional lighting of the presentation area is a strongly recommended feature for even small

venues.Withoutit,thepresenterwilleitherbeinthedarkwhilepresentingorwilltheywillturnon

theboardlightsthereby"washingout"theprojectedpresentation.

Figure1belowillustratesatypicalthreecircuitlayoutconsistingofseparatelightinginstrumentsand

controlcircuitsforBoardlights,Presenterilluminationandaudience(notetaking)lights.Notethat

insmallrooms,evenifspecificboardlightsarenotused,itmaybenecessarytoisolatethelighting

nearest the screen surface so that itmay be switched off during projectionwithout affecting the

note taking lightsover thegeneralaudiencearea.Presenter lightingshouldbeangledhorizontally

andorverticallybybetween45and60degreestoavoiddazzlingthepresenterandtoenablethem

tomaintaineyecontactwiththeaudience.

Figure1:TypicalThreeCircuitLightingScheme

Lecturetheatresandlargerpresentationspaceswithprojection



For lecture theatres and larger presentation spacesmultiple lighting circuits shall be provided to

allow sufficient zone control of lighting. In addition to the three zone scheme used in smaller

teaching spaces it is usual to providemore sophisticated control over the audience area and the

presentation area. All zones must be under the control of the presenter via dimmers with the

exceptionofExit,stairtreadandsafetylights(whichmayberequiredtobealwayson).

Provideseparatelightfittingsandswitchingcircuitsfor:

• Boardlights(asrequired)

• Directionalfrontstagearealighting,eitherspotlightingwithcutters/barndoorsorother

formsofdirectionallightingthatdonotspillontothescreen(s).Thestagelightingshall

bebrokenintomultiplezonesforlargevenues(e.g.StageLeft,CentreandRight).

• Lectern/presentationpointfocusedspotlightswithcutters/barndoorstoensurenospill

ontothescreen(s).

• Aminimumof3audiencelightingzones(e.g.front,middle,back)

• Aislelights

• Safetylights

• Otherzones/circuitsasrequired(e.g.fordemonstrationorperformancespaces)

Ratio of Projected Versus Ambient or “Spilled’ Light 5.4

(Seealso0ContrastRatioabove)

Asdiscussedalready,theclarityofprojectedimagesreliesonasufficientcontrastratiobetweenthe

light from the projector and the ambient or spilled light falling on the projection screen. AETM

endorses the ANSI/ICIA published specification regarding contrast ratios in projected images

(ANSI/INFOCOMM3M-2011:Projected ImageSystemContrastRatio). Asthesestandardsapplyto

thetertiaryenvironment,wecanidentifythreesituations:

a. ProjectionofTextandGraphics(e.g.PowerPointSlidesorVisualiser)whereitisexpectedthat

reasonableambientlightlevelsareprovidedfornotetaking

b. Projectionofdetailedphotographicimages(includingmedicalimagesandx-rays)wherenote

takingissecondarytoafullcontrastratioprojectedimagewhichallowsforthereproduction

ofdetailinthedarkestareasofthepicture.

c. Projectionofmovingimages(FilmandVideo)wherenotetakingissecondarytoafullcontrast

ratioprojected imagewhichallowsfor theappreciationofdetail inboththebrightestand

darkestscenesinthepresentation.

It is the responsibility of the lighting designer,workingwith the audiovisual design consultant, to

ensure that ambient light from all sources is sufficiently controlled so that the minimum

recommendationsregardingcontrastratioareachievableattheanypointontheimagearea.(See

Table4-1:ProjectedContrastRatios(page20)).Measurementmustbeaccordingtotheprocedure

outlined in the ANSI/Infocomm standard 3M-2011. If this is not achieved the imaged will be

“washedout”andbehardtoread.)

Control of ambient and spilled light falling on the projection screen is essential in all spaceswith

projection,butit isabsolutelycritical in largervenues.Largevenuesrequirelargescreenswhichin

turnrequirepowerfulprojectors.Forexample,usingtheinversesquarelawweknowthatascreen



twice the width requires a projector 4 times as powerful to achieve the same brightness on the

screen.Ingeneral,theaudiovisualdesignerwilldeclarethetargetilluminationtheprojectorisable

toachievegiventhescreensize.

Comparedwith classroom situations described above, the projected light reflected off the screen

willoftenbesubstantiallyreducedintheselargervenues. Thereforetoretainasufficientcontrast

ratio between projected and ambient light the ambient light falling on the screen the lighting

designermust take particular carewith the directional control of light fittings and the control of

externalambientlightsourcessuchasdaylight.

Lightcolouredfloorcoveringsandfurnitureneartheprojectionscreensshouldbeavoidedasmuch

aspossiblesincetheywillreflectsignificantamountsoflightfromthespotandstagelightsontothe

screens.

Target Light Levels 5.5

Actual lighting levels in practice will be set by reference to: first Australian Standards (where

appropriate) and secondly to the requirements and standards set by the individual institution

concerned. Whereno institutional standardsexist, this sectionwillprovideguidanceas to typical

situationsfoundinundertakingthelightingdesignforalargermulti-purposelecturetheatre.

Foratypicallecturetheatre,fourlightingexamplesaredefined:

a) BoardLightingorDemonstrations(alsousedasEntry/Exitlightingwithoutboardlights).This

isoftendefinedasPreset1orFulllighting.Boardlightstobeseparatelycontrollable.

b) TextandGraphicsProjection.OftenPreset2,thisisthemostcommonlyusedstate.

c) PictorialorDetailedProjection.Preset3,thisisasfor2butwithreducedaudiencelight

d) CinemaProjection. Preset 4, Projection takes precedence, plus safety lighting,with note-

takinglightonlyimplementedifachievablewithoutexcessivespill.

Inaddition,thefollowingmeasurementpointsaredefined:

• Atthesurfaceofeachstudentwritingsurface(horizontalplane)

• Inthepresentationarea(horizontalandverticalplanes)

• Onthewhiteboardwritingsurfacewherefitted(verticalplane)

• Spillandambientlightontheprojectionsurface(verticalplane)

• Stairtreadsandsafetylighting

Definitions:

“ANSILumens”–measureoflightoutputofaprojector

“LUX”isameasureofthelightfallingonagivenarea.

“ScreenGain”ishowmuchlightasurfacereflects(1=100%)

Assumptions:

TargetProjectedLux=500+

ScreenGain=1

Example A: Whiteboard / Blackboard or Demonstration Mode



Intent:

Thelighting(andexternallightcontrol)mustbecapableofprovidingsuitablelightlevelsatstudent

writing surfaces to facilitate detailed note takingwhile simultaneously providing good visibility of

notations being made on the whiteboard and/or of the presenter undertaking a physical

demonstration in the presentation area together with a safe level of access light. Projection is

generallynotrequiredinthismodesothereisnospecificationforcontrastratioonthescreen.

DesignLightingLevels

• Notetakinglightinstudentseatingareashallbecapableofproducingbetween150(minimum)

and320maintainedlux(preferred)measuredonthehorizontalsurfaceofeachstudentwriting

bench.

• Separately controllable illumination of presenter to a minimum of 150 lux measured in a

horizontalplaneandaminimumof50luxintheverticalplanewithinthedefinedpresentation

area. Where frontal lighting is used it should be placed as close as practical to 45 degrees

elevation and45horizontally degrees froma lineperpendicular to the screen to avoidundue

glareinthepresenter’sfieldofview.

• Separately controllable illumination of the whiteboard or blackboard area. Lighting to be as

even as possible across the surface and should not vary by more than a ratio of 3:1 from

brightest to darkest point within the board area with board lights, presenter lights and note

taking lights all ON at nominal levels. Lighting must not produce glare or hot spots on the

surfaceofthewhiteboard.Theaveragelevelofilluminationontheboardwiththeboardlights

ONshouldbe300lux.

• Whiletheamountofspilllightonthescreenfromallsourcesisnotdefinedinthismode,ifthere

isa requirement forprojectiontobesimultaneouswithboardordemonstration lighting, then

spill lightonthescreenshallbe limitedsothatacontrastratioof7:1 isachievedbetweenthe

levelofwhite illuminationproducedby theprojectoracross theentire screensurfaceand the

levelofambientlightincidentonthescreen.

• Stairtreads:refertoapplicableAustralianstandardorlocalspecification

Example B: Text and Graphics Projection Mode (with note taking)

Intent:


writingsurfacestofacilitatedetailednotetakingwhilesimultaneouslyprovidinggoodvisibilityofthe

presenter,asafelevelofaccesslightandadequate(7:1)contrastratioonthescreen.


• Note taking light in student seating area shall be capable of producing 150 maintained lux

measured on the horizontal surface of each student writing bench and shall have dimming

control allowing adjustment down to 10% of full brightness with no noticeable flicker. This

lightingsourcemustbecontrolledtominimisespillontotheprojectionsurface(seebelow).

• Separatelycontrollableilluminationofpresentertoaminimumof150maintainedluxmeasured

in a horizontal plane and a minimum of 50 maintained lux in the vertical plane within the

defined presentation area. Where frontal lighting is used it should be placed at angles of

between 45 and 60 degrees elevation and 45 and 60 degrees horizontally from a line

perpendiculartothescreentoavoidundueglareinthepresenter’sfieldofview.

• Whiteboardsurfaceilluminationisnotrequiredinthismode.



• Spill lightfromallsourcestobelimitedsothatwhennotetakinglightof150luxisachievedin

the audience area, a contrast ratio of 7:1 is achieved between the level ofwhite illumination

produced by the projector across the entire screen surface and the level of ambient light

incidentonthescreen.

The specific expected white level from the projector should be confirmed prior to lighting

design.However,asanexample,where500 lux isachievedasprojectedpeakwhite,spill light

fromallsourcesmustbe<72luxatanypointwithintheimageareaofthescreen.


Example C: Pictorial Content or Detailed Projection Mode (with note taking)

Intent:


writing surfaces to facilitate note taking while simultaneously providing good visibility of the

presenter,asafelevelofaccesslightandadequate(15:1)contrastratioonthescreen.


• Note taking light in student seating area shall be capable of producing 50 maintained lux

measured on the horizontal surface of each student writing bench and shall have dimming

control allowing adjustment down to 10% of full brightness with no noticeable flicker. This

lightingsourcemustbecontrolledtominimisespillontotheprojectionsurface(seebelow).

• Separatelycontrollableilluminationofpresentertoaminimumof50maintainedluxmeasured

in a horizontal plane and a minimum of 25 maintained lux in the vertical plane within the

defined presentation area. Where frontal lighting is used it should be placed at angles of

between 45 and 60 degrees elevation and 45 and 60 degrees horizontally from a line

perpendiculartothescreentoavoidundueglareinthepresenter’sfieldofview.


• Spilllightfromallsourcestobelimitedsothatwhennotetakinglightof50luxisachievedinthe

audience area, a contrast ratio of 15:1 is achieved between the level of white illumination

produced by the projector across the entire screen surface and the level of ambient light

incidentonthescreen.

The specific expected white level from the projector should be confirmed prior to lighting



• Stair treads: refer to applicable Australian standard or local specification

Example D: Cinema Projection Mode

Intent:

Thelighting(andexternallightcontrol)mustbecapableofprovidingadequate(50:1)contrastratio

onthescreen,alongwithasafelevelofaccesslightand(ifpossible)suitablelightlevelsatstudent

writingsurfacestofacilitatelesscomprehensivenotetaking.




• Spilllightfromallsourcestobelimitedsothatacontrastratioof50:1isachievedbetweenthe

levelofwhite illuminationproducedby theprojectoracross theentire screensurfaceand the

levelofambientlightincidentonthescreen.

• The specific expected white level from the projector should be confirmed prior to lighting



• Wherepractical,notetakinglightinstudentseatingareashallbecapableofproducingupto50

luxmeasuredonthehorizontalsurfaceofeachstudentwritingbenchandshallhavedimming

control allowing adjustment down to 0% of full brightnesswith no noticeable flicker. Where

note taking light cannot be achievedwithout compromise to the amount of spill light on the

screen,thennotetakinglightistobereducedoreliminated

• Presenterilluminationisnotrequiredinthismode.



The table below provides an example of the indicative maximum ambient/spilled light limits for

differentscreensizes.Inallcases,theactualcontrastratioshalltakeprecedence.

Some common scenarios

Room

Type

Screen

Size

Projector

ANSI

Lumens

Non-Std

Lens

Typical

Projected

LUX

Max Ambient

Light on Screen

(lux) Text Photo Movie

Meeting room

100" 3000 no 600 85 40 12

Small

Seminar room

115" 3000 no 450 65 30 9

Large

Seminar room < 11m

130" 4000 no 575 82 38 11

Lecture Theatre

>11m

150" 5000 yes 465 66 31 9

Auditorium 200" 7500 yes 385 55 26 8

This is a guide only – actual figures may vary depending lens type, illumination source and other factors.

DesignModelling



All lightingdesigns shouldbe computermodelledduring thedesign stage toensure that the light

fallingon theprojection screendoesnotexceed these limits. If thedesigndoesnotmeet these

standardsthenthespecificationofnewlightfittingsandlightplacementwillberequiredpriortothe

issueofthetender.

Light Fitting Selection 5.6

Lightfittingswithgooddirectionalcontrolarerequiredtoeliminateglareandunwantedlightingspill

onprojectionsscreens.Thecloserthe lightsaretotheprojectionscreensthemore importantthis

requirementbecomes.

Lightfittingswithouthorizontalshieldingandlouvers,orlightfittingsthatbouncelightoffceilingsor

other surfaces do not provide sufficient directional control and are not suitable for spaces with

projection.Lowbrightnessnon-reflectivelouversarepreferred.

Duringapresentationdifferent lightingsettingsmayberequired inrapidsuccession. It isessential

that the lightsusedbecapableofbeing switchedonandoff (ordimmed)quickly. Lightingwhich

requires long delays between extinguishment and re-strike, or fittings which take more than 10

secondstoachievemaximumbrightnessarenotsuitableforgeneralpurposeteachingspaces

GeneralLightFittingsCompatiblewithProjection

Toachievelowlevelsofambientlightspillontoprojectionsurfaces,lightfittingsmustofaglarefree

designwithdirectlightdistributiononly(i.e.noupwardincidentlight)andhavereflectorswithcut-

offorshieldinganglesof50degreesor less inthedirectionofthescreen(s). Recessedlightswith

non-reflectivelouversorsuspendedlightswithsufficientsideshieldingreflectorsandnon-reflective

louversareusuallysuitable.

Examplesoflightfittingswithsufficientlightcutofforshielding:

Shown above is a louvered fluorescent fitting suitable for use in roomswith projection alongwith a

typicaldispersionpattern



In addition to the requirements for general room lighting, fluorescent light fittings that are not

turned off during projectionmust be equippedwith low spill reflectors/louvers. Highly reflective

louversarenotsuitableastheyreflectlighthorizontally.

Task lights and spotlights that are not turnedoff duringprojectionmust alsohave either internal

cutters or external barndoors to enable illuminationof people near the screen,while preventing

directlightfallingonthescreen.

ThisPhilips SeleconPL1 LEDLuminaire, is amodern

LED Spotlight light fitting which provides the beam

control needed for presenter lighting without

excessivespillwhilesignificantlyreducingtheimpact

ofouractivitiesontheenvironment.Imagesupplied

courtesyofPhilipsSelecon.

Light fitting placement 5.7

Theplacementof lights in relation to theprojection screen(s) is another critical aspectof lighting

designforteachingandpresentationspaces.

Near the projection screens, house lights, stage lights and lectern spotlightsmust all be carefully

positionedtoavoidspillonthescreentakingintoaccounttheirbeamcut-off/shieldingangles.This

shouldbeconfirmedinthecomputermodellingduringthedesignstageandnotleftuntilthelights

areinstalled.Caremustalsobetakenwhenplacingspotlightstothatthebodyofthespotlightdoes

impedethedataprojector’sbeam.

The vertical positioning of stage lights and lectern spotlights is often a difficult balance between

sufficient light on the presenter’s face and glare in their eyes. A commonly agreed balance is to

positiontheselightsbetweenapproximately45degreesand60degreesabovehorizontalfromthe

presenter’seye-line.

Boardlightsshouldbesetbackfromtheboardsasufficientdistancetoallowevencoverage.

Control of external ambient light from windows and skylights 5.8

Inthearchitecturaldesignofteachingspaceswithprojectionsystems,specialconsiderationshould

be given to the control of natural ambient light by limiting use of windows or skylights. Where

windowsorskylightsarepresent,useofcurtainsorblindsorlouverstocontrolambientlightwillbe

required.MotorisedblindsorlouverscontrolledbytheAVsystemarepreferable.



Forvideoconferenceroomscompletecontrolofsunlightisessential.Evensmallgapsincurtainscan

severely reduce the quality of the image captured by the camera. (See also 5.18 Special

requirementsforVideoConferencespaces)

NOTE: Light from all external sources should be excluded or controlled such as to allow the

attainmentofthestandardsabovewithrespecttospillontheprojectionscreenatanytimeofday

andatanytimeoftheyear.

Dimming 5.9

Any space where the basic functionality involves presentation technology should have lighting

dimmers installed. Dimming provides a finer control of the presentation environment and can

optimise theperformanceofothercomponents. In largespaces,dimmingcanalsoresult inmore

efficient use of energy. The space should have functionally different areas allocated to discrete

circuits on the dimming system. In some instances a rough dimming effect can be achieved by

selective switching of fluorescent tubes in light fittings, however proper dimming remains the

preferredmethod.

Dimmingmust only be achieved using appropriate dimming technology to suit the installed light

fittings. Care should be taken to ensure that no flicker, audible noise, electronic interference or

otherundesirableartefactisevidentthroughoutthedimmingrange.

User Controls 5.10

Lightingsystemshouldbeabletobeoperatedineitheroftwomodes:

• Standalone-usinglightingwallpanel(s)

• Controlled-bytheAVcontrolsystem

Wall mounted lighting control panels (or “Entry/Exit” switches which bring up the appropriate

lighting mode) must be placed near entrances in accordance with applicable regulatory

requirements and building standards.When the venue has a Bio box additional lighting controls

shouldbeinstalledthereaswell.

Presenters need quick access to lighting controls located at the lectern/presentation position,

consequentlylightingcontrolmustalsobeavailableviatheAVcontrolsystem.Inlargerspacesthis

isanessentialrequirement.

House Lights 5.11

House lighting shall be directional in nature, dimmable, low spill, low glare, even and reasonably

shadow-freeprovidingapproximately320 lux fallingonaudiencehorizontal readingsurfaceswhen

operated at 100%. Currently fluorescent lighting is the most suitable for this purpose when

combinedwithsuitablelowglare/spillfittings.



Lighting shall be arranged in enough zones to enable sufficient control of lighting for various

projectionneedsandevennesslightingoftheaudienceareasintieredvenueswheretherearlights

aremuchclosertotheaudiencethanatthefront.

Fluorescentlightfittingsshallbeof‘rapid-start’energyefficienttypewithaminimumofflickerand

audible noise. They shall met the stringent low glare and spill requirements described in the

previoussection-5.6LightFittingSelection

Lights shall be spaced so there is significantoverlapofbeampatterns (soa lamp failuredoesnot

createanunusabledarkzone).

Board Lights 5.12

Whiteboardlightsareessentialforthevisibilityofthewhiteboard.Lightlevelsfallingontheboard

mustatleastmatchthelevelsonthereadingsurfacesoftheaudiencesection.Fluorescentlighting

provides the most even source, however effective fittings with louvers will be required if the

intentionistolightbanksofboardsseparately.

A commonmistake is tomount the light directly above the board. This approachwill result in a

hotspot at the top of the board and ineffective lighting towards the bottom. Amore successful

approachistopositionanasymmetric“wallwasher”lightfittingsomedistanceoutfromtheboards

andtohaveitslightangledacrossthefullheightoftheboard.Thereisarangeofspecificfixtures

forthispurpose.

Lightingmustbeasevenaspossibleacrossthesurfaceandshouldnotvarybymorethanaratioof

3:1frombrightesttodarkestpointwithintheboardareawithboardlights,presenterlightsandnote

takinglightsallONatnominallevels.Theaveragelevelofilluminationontheboardwiththeboard

lightsONshouldbe300lux.Boardlightingmustbeseparatelycontrollable.



Recessedasymmetricwallwasher

“Stage” Area Lights 5.13

Whether to illuminate presenters as theymove around the room or for a table of speakers at a

conference, ‘StageLighting’providesameansof illuminating therequiredpresentationareawhile

avoidingwashingouttheprojectedimages.Goodstagelightingcanhelptoreducetheoccurrence

ofpresentersturningontheboardlightssimplytogetenoughlightwhileprojecting.

“Stage”lightsmustbedimmablenarrow-beamdirectionallightswithexcellentcontrolofspill.They

shouldincludedevicessuchasbarndoorsorcutterstoaccuratelyshapethelightbeamtoavoidspill

ontheprojectionscreenwhileatthesametimelightingasmuchoftheareainfrontofthescreenas

possible. For smaller venues the principle of providing lightingwith strong spill control near the

screen is just as valid. In this context it may be achieved with a series of small down lights or

directionalfluorescentlightswithhighlyeffectivelouvers.

Presenter Spotlights 5.14

In lecture theatresand largevenuesaminimumof twonarrow-beamfocussingspotlights shallbe

installed to light the presenter at the lectern. The spotlights shall have full beam control (zoom,

focus and cuttersorbarndoors) to adjust the light coverageandminimise spill onto the screens.

Care shall be taken to avoid reflections off the lectern surfaces. For large venues theatrical

spotlightsaresuitable.

Insmallervenuesarangeofcosteffectivelowvoltagefittingscanbeused.Acompactfluorescent

asymmetric wall washer recessed in the ceiling can also be effective as long as care is taken to

positionitwellanddirectitsbeamwellclearoftheprojectionscreen.

Aisle Lights 5.15

When installed, aisle lighting must meet the relevant building codes in terms of edge and step

definition.Theselectedaislelightfittingsmustemitno,orminimalspillontoprojectionscreens.A

rangeofLEDbasedlightsareavailablethatprovidebothedgedefinitionandtreadillumination.

Exit lights 5.16

Specialconsiderationshouldbegiventothetypeandlocationofexit lightsinlecturetheatresand

performancevenues.Exitlightscanhaveadetrimentaleffectonprojectionqualitybyproducingan

unacceptablelevelofambientlight.



Bio box lights 5.17

Manylargelecturetheatresareequippedwithabioboxorprojectionbooth.Abioboxshouldhave

dimmable general room lighting and another circuit with highly directional down lights operable

independentlyorthevenueslightingcontrolsystem.

Special requirements for Video Conference spaces 5.18

Video conference venues are in effect small television studios and require additional care and

considerationinlightingdesign.Itisimportanttominimizeshadows,eliminateglare,avoidreflective

surfacesandtocreateanevenlylitenvironment.

The best general lighting for videoconferencing is diffuse fluorescent. However even fluorescent

lightswill causeunattractive shadowsaround theeyesof participants if placeddirectlyoverhead.

Whencarefullyplacedfluorescentasymmetricalwallwasherlightfittingscanprovideanevenlight

at a 45 degree angle that reduces eye shadowing. Small spotlights carefully applied can provide

pleasantshapingandhighlights to theparticipant’s faces. Forconsistencyofcolourandskin tone

reproductionbythecamerauselightsofthesamecolourtemperature(e.g.4000Kelvin)andensure

illuminationofparticipants'facesataround500lux.

Ideally,theroomshouldnothaveanyexteriorwindows.Ifitdoes,theyneedtobefullycovered

withcurtainsorblinds.Evenasmallchinkofsunlightinthebackgroundcancauseproblemsforthe

camera.Backgroundsandtabletopsshouldnotbetoodarkortoolightasthiscancausedifficulty

withcameraauto-iriscontrol.Midtonesandmoderatelightinglevelsonbackgroundwallswillgive

thebestresults.Avoidpatternedorwovenfabricsandfinishesonwallsasthesecanproducemoiré

patternsorstrobingeffectswhenthecameraismoved.

Occupancy Sensing 5.19

Occupancyormotionsensingisacommonfeatureofmodernlightingsystems.Itenablessignificant

energysavingsbyshuttingdownserviceswhenthespaceisunoccupiedfordefinedperiodsoftime.

Occupancy sensors should be installed as part of all new lighting systems. The output of the

occupancy sensors should be available to the control system and inmany caseswill also provide

inputtotheBMSsystem.ThiscanallowforenergymanagementofbothAVequipmentandlighting

inthespace.

ToavoidunwantedAVsystemshutdownsduringlongersessionswherepeoplemaybestationaryfor

extendedperiodsoftime(forexampleduringexaminations),thesensortechnologymustbecapable

ofdetectingthepresenceofstationaryoccupantsandnotjustthosetraversingthespace.

Integration with AV Control Systems 5.20

Thedimmernetworkmusthaveeitheraserialor IP interfaceandbeconnectedtotheAVcontrol



systemviaeitherserialorIPnetworkcabling.

TheAV control systemmust be programmed to provide quick access to lighting presets and user

accessibleslider/fadercontrolsforspotandstagelights.TheAVcontrolsystemcanalsoautomate

some functions, such as dimming board lights or closing motorised blinds when projection is

selected.

Lighting levelsshallbe fullyandcontinuouslycontrollable from100% lightoutput to less than2%.

Controlfunction(i.e.controlinputversuslightoutput)shallbeapproximatelylinear.

No occupancy time out and user initiated lighting and AV system shut down routines must be

programmed. The desired lighting andAV systemactions at each stage of the routine should be

documentedandagreeduponbystakeholders.

Fire, Emergency, Mechanical Services (A/C) and BMS integration 5.21

WhererequiredtheAVandlightingsystemshallbeinstalledandprogrammedtoacceptsignalsfrom

thebuildingsemergencywarningsystem(EWIS).Anemergencysignaltothesystemshouldtrigger

theactionsdeterminedby regulatione.g.: turningon the lights,mutingsoundsystemsother than

warningannouncementsetc.

In many cases it is desirable to connect the room control system to the Building Management

System (BMS). This allows the room automation to send signals to the air conditioning regarding

lightingstatesandroomoccupancy.

Dimmer Location 5.22

Dimmers should be located in positions that facilitate easy access. They should not be located in

ceilingcavitiesorinfalsefloors.Withinthecupboarddimmersmustbemountedataheightwhich

allows readyaccess fora standing technician,withoutusinga ladderorhaving tocrouchorkneel

down. The operation of the dimmers must not cause electronic magnetic or any other kind of

interferencewithothersystemswithintheroomorinthevicinity.

Invenueswithabioboxthedimmer(s)shallbeinstalledinornearthebioboxtofacilitatecontrol

wiringandadjustment.



6 Acoustics in Teaching Spaces Section7AudioReplaysystemsandPublicAddressshouldreadinconjunctionwiththissection.

Standards:

Australianstandardsreferencedinthissectionare:

- AS/NZS2107:2000Acoustics–Recommendeddesignsound levelsandreverberationtimes

forbuildinginteriors;

- AS/NZS ISO717.1:2004Acoustics – Rating of sound insulation in buildings andof building

elements.Part1:Airbornesoundinsulation

Overview:

Acousticsthatsupportintelligiblecommunicationwithallparticipantsarefundamentaltosuccessful

teaching in any room. “Technology cannot (on its own) solve the problems of reverberation,

background noise and echo, which detrimentally effect so many cognitive environments. It is

therefore important to ensure that the technology investment is complimented by sympathetic

building and space preparation. The best technology in the world cannot deliver on its potential

withoutappropriatesupportfromthebuiltenvironment”4.

Special consideration must be given to the design of teaching spaces with regards to acoustic

performance. The ultimate measure of acoustics in a teaching space must be the Speech

Transmission Index (STI). Bestpractice teaching spaces shouldachievea ratingof “excellent” (STI

between0.75and1.05)andAETMrecommendsaminimumstandardofSTInolessthan“good”(0.6

–0.75).

To achieve high speech intelligibility the teaching spacemust be constructed in such away as to

control the reverberation and echo internally and provide isolation from all noises sources. The

signal (amplified or un-amplified speech) to noise (all other sound) ratios at the listener position

should be better than 25 dB to optimise intelligibility. Rear and side wall reflections should be

minimised by appropriate acoustic treatment. The overall acoustic treatment should ensure short

reverberationtimes.

AETM recommends that professional advice from an Acoustic Consultant should be sought to

designanddetailtheacoustictreatmentrequiredtoachievetherequiredacousticperformanceof

teaching venues. The information in this chapter is provided only as guide to the design

considerationsneeded.

4AndrewCalovPresentation&TeachingFacilities2009:AVSEngineeringBriefpp1

5 There are two scales in common use tomeasure Speech intelligibility: STI and CIS (Common Intelligibility

Scale).ValuesinthischapterarespecifiedusingtheSTIscale



AmbientSoundLevels&ReverberationTimes:

Theultimateutilityandfunctionofteachingareasishighlydependentonthecontrolofexternaland

internalnoise.Choiceoflayout,construction,materialsandfinishshouldbecarefullyguidedbythe

needtoprovidespaceswithacceptableacousticperformancefortherequireduse.Particularcare

should be given to the selection and detailing of walls, windows, doors and ceilings. Special

treatmentmayberequired in thevicinityofhighnoisezonessuchasplant rooms. Ingeneral, the

recommendedDesignSoundLevelsandReverberationTimesforBuildingInteriorssetoutinAS2107

mustbeadopted.

The level of ambient sound from air-conditioning, ventilating and other mechanical equipment,

trafficnoiseandanyotherintrusivenoise,mustbeneithersohighthatitisobjectionablenorsolow

that the resulting quiet causes intruding speech and other activity noise to be objectionable. The

levelofnoiseandrecommendedreverberationtimesaredescribedherebytheNoiseRating&RT60,

asdefinedbyAustralianStandardAS2107-2000.

Type of Space:

Educational Buildings

Ambient Noise Level

Typical Reverb Time

(*RT60 varies with room volume) Best Practice

Minimum Standard

Lectureroomsupto50seats 30dB(A) 35dB(A) 0.7–1.0*

Lecturetheatres-without

speechreinforcement30dB(A) 35dB(A) 0.7–1.0*

Lecturetheatres-withspeech

reinforcement35dB(A) 45dB(A) 0.7–1.0*

ComputerRooms-Teaching 40dB(A) 45dB(A) 0.4–0.6

ConferenceRooms 35dB(A) 40dB(A) 0.6–0.7

PermissibleNoiseLevels&RecommendedReverberationTimes

Ambientnoiseandroomreverberationtimesaretwoimportantmeasuresofacousticperformance

andkeyindicatorsoftheintelligibilityofspeechcommunicationinaroom.However,thereareother

potential acoustic performance issues that should be reviewed and addressed by the Acoustic

Consultant.Theconsultantwillconsiderroomsize,shapeandlocationoffixturesasaspectsofthe

design that may give rise to issues of: echoes or late arriving reflections; standing waves with

resultantnodesandantinodesinthelowerfrequencies;andfocussedreflections.



Intelligibility

SpeechIntelligibility isquantifiedbythe‘SpeechTransmissionIndex’6orSTI.AnSTIvaluebetween

0.6–0.75isconsideredgood,whileavaluebetween0.75–1.0isratedasexcellent.Teachingspacesin

generalshouldachievearatinginthe“excellent”range,howeverforlargemulti-purposeauditoria,

orforotheropenplanteachingspacessuchascollaborativeteachingandlearningspacesanSTIthat

measuresinthe“good”(>0.60)rangeisacceptable.

Choice and positioning of microphones (and hence teaching lecterns) in rooms is assisted by an

understandingoftheacousticenergylevelsthroughoutthespace.Theselectionofspeakertypeand

installedpositionwillgoverntheachievableSPLlevelsatthelistenerposition.Anumberofsoftware

packageareavailabletoacousticallymodelspacesanddeterminelikelysoundpressurelevelsatkey

pointswithinthespace.Basedonthisanalysis,microphone/speakerrequirementscanbereviewed

and,ifrequired,changedtoimproveperformance.

Refurbishment of existing teaching spaces poses significant challenges as towhat can be done to

improveacousticperformance,particularly inolderbuildingswherespacesmaybeheritage listed,

limiting the scope for structural change. In particularly challenging circumstances, consideration

shouldbegiventosteerablelinearrayspeakerstoenableamoredirectional,focussedsoundfield

over the listening area. Steerable beam arrays provide fine electronic control of the energy

distribution which assists in reducing the reverberant field by minimising reflections from

surroundinghardsurfaces.

MechanicalServices&AirDelivery

Noise from mechanical services is one of the most common causes of degraded function in

presentationandlearningspaces.Keypointsare:

- LectureTheatresrequirehighcapacityairhandlingsystems,whichshouldtypicallyoperate

atlowvelocitytominimisenoise.

- Lowvelocitymodesinvariablyrequirelargerandlongerdiffusers,biggerductsetc.Thiscan

presentanacousticalandarchitecturalchallengeifnotcarefullyplannedatanearlystage.

- AirhandlingsystemswithlocalFanCoilUnits(FCU)mountedwithintheroomceilingspace

areapotentialrisktoachievingtherequiredNoiseRating(NR).Suchunitsarebestrelocated

ifpracticaltooutsidetheroomenvelopeorotherwisefullyenclosedinanacousticallyrated

compartmentdesignedtoachieveareductioninFCUnoisetobelowtheroomNoiseRating.

- Projectengineersneedtotakeall stepstoeliminate lowfrequencynoise frommechanical

plant compressors, and to minimise the wide band noise generated by faster air flow in

ducts and through diffusers.Vibration transmitted into the building from FCUs and other

installedmechanicalequipmentmustnotcausesoundlevelstoexceedtherequirementsfor

LectureTheatresNR30andSeminarRoomsNR30withintheband(63to8000Hz).

Cinema

Spacesdesignedforcinemapresentationsshouldaimtosatisfyacousticdesigncriteriaprovidedand

licensedbyDolby andTHX companies. Refer also to INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO22234:2005

Cinematography - Relative and absolute sound pressure levels for motion-picture multi-channel

sound systems -Measurementmethods and levels applicable to analog photographic film audio,

digitalphotographicfilmaudioandD-cinemaaudio.

6DonDavis&EugenePatronis,Jr:SoundSystemEngineering3

rdEd:p213MeasuringIntelligibility



7 Audio Replay systems and Public Address

Standards and Legislation 7.1

Audiosystemsandequipmentshallcomplywithperformanceandinstallationstandardsdefinedby:

- AS/NZS60065:2003&AmendmentNo.1(January2008)Audio,videoandsimilarelectronic

apparatus—Safetyrequirements;

- ANSI/INFOCOMM1M-2009AudioCoverageUniformityinEnclosedListenerAreas

- AS60118.4-2007Hearingaids -Magnetic fieldstrength inaudio-frequency induction loops

forhearingaidpurposes.

In Australia, requirements for the fitment of Hearing Augmentation systems are covered by the

Disability(AccesstoPremises—Buildings)Standards2010.

http://www.comlaw.gov.au/ComLaw/Legislation/LegislativeInstrument1.nsf/0/943923505EFF5F51C

A2576E40008FFF9/$file/F2010L00668.pdf

System Functionality 7.2

Apurposedesignedaudio system for teaching spaces shouldbe installed toprovide the following

functionality:

- Voice reinforcement (Public Address): as a guideline LTSMG Report (UK) suggest rooms

above50seatingcapacityshouldbeconsideredforvoicereinforcement;

- Highfidelityreplayofprogramsources

- Assistivelistening/hearingaugmentation

- Recording(whererequired)

Overviewofkeycomponents:

Audiosystemcomponentsforateachingroomof50+studentswill,asaminimum,comprise:

- Oneormorehighqualityspeakersinstalledsoastoprovideuniformsoundcoverageofthe

listenerarea;

- Lecternmicrophoneandprovisionforadditionalmicrophonestobeconnected;

- Radiomicrophone(wherespecified);

- Audiomixertoenablesignalrouting,levelcontrol,limiting/compressionandequalisationof

signals from microphones and line level audio replay equipment. The audio mixer will

providephantompowertomicrophones,interfacetothelecturetheatrecontrolsystemand

providesufficientoutputsforpoweramplifiersandrecordingdevices;

- Highqualityaudiopoweramplifierswithoverloadprotection;

- Fit forpurpose induction loopamplifierandroomcoil (AS60118.4-2007)orothersuitable

assistivehearingtechnology:consistentwiththepractices/policiesoftheUniversity’sspecial

needsprogram.OtherhearingaugmentationtechnologiesincludeinfraredandRFsystems

Large(>150seats)orspecialpurposevenueswillhaveadditionalrequirements,particularwherethe

venue isused for cinemastudies, remote lecture telecasts/webcasts,orother theatrical activities.

AudioVisualrepresentativesoftheUniversityaretobeconsultedonspecialpurposerequirements

aswellasthegeneralclassroomrequirements.



Design: 7.3

The audio design shall ensure an electro acoustical system that is capable of producing adequate

sound level with high intelligibility at the listener position, is stable under normal operating

conditions,andisfreefromnoiseanddistortion.

Effective design of the audio system and its componentswill be require an understanding of the

expectedbehaviourofsoundintheroom(referAcousticsinTeachingSpaces).Acousticmodellingof

theproposedspaceshouldbeconsideredatanearlystageoftheprojecttoprovidevaluabledata

fordeterminingspeakertypeandquantity,placement,amplifierpower,andexpectedperformance

against the guidelines. Computer modelling may be arranged through the Architectural Design

Team, independent Acoustic Consultants, or Sound System Designers associated with major

suppliersofprofessionalspeakersystems.

Speakersystemoptionsforteachingvenuesinclude,butarenotlimitedto:

- SinglesourceLineArray

- FrontofHouse(FOH)Left-Rightstereopair

- Distributedsystem(ceilingorwall)

- CombinationofFOHanddistributed

- Dolby/THXSurroundsystem

LoudspeakerSelectionandPlacement

Loudspeaker type and position shall be based on achieving an effective coverage of the listening

areawhile optimising the ‘gain before feedback’ of themicrophone / loudspeaker system for the

nominated presentation area. A practical electro-acoustical system design for teaching spaces

shouldbecapableofdeliveringanSPLof65dBA-Slowatanylistenerpositionforamplifiedvoiceand

anSPLof85dBA-Slowforprogrammaterial.

The uniformity of audio coverage shall be determined by measurement and validation standard

ANSI/INFOCOMM1M-2009:AudioCoverageUniformity in Enclosed ListenerAreas to “ensure that

every listener perceives approximately the same direct sound from the sound system, nomatter

where the listener is positioned within the specified listening area of the sound system” . A

conformingsystemshallachieveatolerancewindowof6dBwithineachofsixISOoctavebands250

Hzto8kHzwhenmeasuredattherequiredtestlocations.

AcombinationofFOHanddistributedspeakersshouldbeconsideredformediumtolargevenuesto

ensure all areas receive voice reinforcement which is direct, uniform in level and has high

intelligibility. Electronic delay and speaker zoning should be consideredwhere the delay between

the sound arriving at the listener from the primary source and distributed speakers interact to

significantlyaffecttheintelligibility(STI)orspatialimageofthesoundsource.

Smallervenueswillrequireaminimumoftwo‘frontofhouse’(FOH)speakersconfiguredasaLeft-

Right pair for stereo imaging of program material in the primary listening area. Alternatively, a

distributed ceiling speakers array may be used to provide a uniform coverage for both voice

reinforcementandprogramcontent,albeitmono.Factors suchasceilingheightandstructurewill

determinethechoiceofspeakersystem.

AudioMixer

Considerationshouldbegiven tousingDSP technology foraudiomixingandprocessingdue to its

inherentflexibility,cost/performancebenefitandeaseofexternalcontrol.



The mixer shall accommodate a combination of microphone and line level sources, either as

balancedorunbalancedconnections.The increaseduseofdomesticdigitalequipment in teaching

venuesrequiresreviewofpracticalityofconnectingdigitalaudiotoaudiomixersusingHDMI,optical

(TOSLINK) or coaxial (S/PDIF) for transfer of multichannel signals as an alternative to multiple

analogueinputs.

Mixersizeshallbedeterminedbythespecificrequirementsformicrophonesandreplayequipment

relatedtotheuseofthevenue,butatleasttwoadditionalinputsandoutputsshouldbeconsidered

toenablefutureexpansionduringtheoperationallifeofthesystem.

AudioInputs:

- Lecternmicrophones

- RadioMicrophones

- Conferencemicrophones

- AuxiliaryinputforLaptopComputers

- Residentcomputers

- CD/DVDplayers

- Blu-rayplayers

- HD/SD‘Settopbox’

- VideoconferenceCODECs

- Externalfeeds

AudioOutputs:

- ProgramaudioLEFT/RIGHT

- Speechreinforcement*

- Speechreinforcementdelaychannel/s*

- Recordingoutput

- Externalfeeds*Largervenuesmayrequiremultiplechannelsofdelay fordistributedspeakers toachieveuniformcoverage,particular

wherebalconiesarepresent.

Audioequipmentchainperformance:

Systemdesignandgainsettingsprovideforanominaloperatinglevelsuchthat:

- PeakorMaximumoperatinglevel(headroom)is10dBabovenominaloperatinglevel

- SystemNoise (S/N) with all inputs assigned is at least -65 dB unweighted below nominal

operatinglevel

- TotalHarmonicDistortion<0.5%atpeakoperatinglevel

- Systemfrequencyresponse50Hz–18kHz+/-2dBatnominaloperatinglevel

- Nominaloperatingleveloftheelectronicchainshouldbe+4dBm

PowerAmplifiers

High quality power amplifiers, matched to the power requirements of the loudspeakers, are

requiredtoachieveappropriatesoundleveltolistenerpositions.Powerratingshouldbesuchthatat

least10dBheadroomisavailabletohandlepeaksoverthe levelrequiredtoachievetargetSPLfor

programcontent.Consideration shouldbegiven to the locationof theamplifier in relation to the

heat generated and ventilation requirements as well as the likelihood of temperature impact on

surrounding equipment. Speaker cabling should be run well clear of low level signal cabling to

minimisetheriskofinterferenceandcrosstalk.



Hearing Augmentation 7.4

In Australia, hearing augmentation/assistive listening systems are a requirement in all Class 9b

buildingsincluding(butnotlimitedto)allspaceswhereapublicaddresssystemisfitted.

TherequirementsaresummarisedintheDisability(AccesstoPremises—Buildings)Standards2010

whichformpartofsubsection31(1)oftheDisabilityDiscriminationAct1992.

Otherrelevantstandardsandcodesinclude:

• BCA - SECTION D - Part D3 - Access for People with Disabilities

• AS1428.5-2010 Design for access and mobility – Communication for people who are deaf or hearing impaired

• AS60118-4. – performance requirements for hearing loops

Ingeneral,a“safe”assumptionisthathearingaugmentationsystemsarerequiredinanyUniversity

spacewhichincludesanaudioreproductionsystem.

While a number of systems are permissible under the act, including Induction Loop, IR and RF

systems, individual University Audio/Visual staff and Student Disability support staff should be

consultedtodetermine localpoliciesbeforedeterminingtheappropriatetechnology forparticular

spaces.

In University situations, classrooms are often closely adjacent and special caremust be taken to

ensurethatthecoveragefieldsofhearingaugmentationsystemsdonotoverlap.

EWIS 7.5

Emergencyevacuations systemsmay require roomsoundsystems tobemuted in theeventofan

alarm.AdviceshouldbesoughtfromaFire/ElectricalEngineerastowhat isrequiredofthesound

systeminrelationtoevacuationalarms/announcements.

Equipment Installation 7.6

Audiosystemsshallbeinstalledinaccordancewithsections2.9,2.10,currentindustrybestpractice

models (refer Infocomm AV Installation Handbook ‘The Best Practices for Quality Audiovisual

Systems’)andrelatedAustralianStandards.

Grounding 7.7

Audio system noise performance may be compromised by poor management of equipment

earthing.A singlephase, star powerearthing arrangement to theAVequipment rackor technical

earth for all AV equipment within the room should be explored with the Electrical Consultant.

Appropriate consultation and earthing design will minimise the potential for issues from ground

loopsandmultiplephaseconnectionofAVequipment.Balancedaudiosystemswithhighcommon

moderejectionratio(CMRR)providemaximumprotectionagainstgroundloopsandothersources

ofinterferenceandarethepreferredaudiodesign.



Lecture Recording Systems 7.8

Lecture recording systems are fitted to lecture theatres and teaching spaces in a majority of

UniversitiesinAustraliaandNewZealand.Thesestandardsdonotrecommendaparticularsystem,

butsetoutgeneralguidelinessothatspacescanbeadequatelyprovisioned,eitherimmediatelyorin

thefuture,withcapturesystems.

AudioRecording

Whereaudiorecordingispossibleunderthelecturerecordingsysteminusebytheinstitution,aline

leveloutputcontainingapostfadermixofallmicrophoneandlinesourcesshouldbeavailableunder

theaudioswitchingandmixingspecification. Thisoutputshallbecapableofsupplyingabalanced

feed at +4dbm. If requested, an unbalanced output at -10dBm may be supplied for direct

connectiontotherecordingappliance.

ScreenCapture

Wherescreencapture ispossibleunder the lecturerecordingsystem inuseby the institution, the

video switching system shall be capable of providing an extra scaled output at XGA or WXGA

resolutionforeachdisplay(projectororscreen)feed.

Dependingon thesystem inuse, theoutputmayberequired tobeanalogue (typicallyRGBHV)or

digital(e.g.DVIorHDMI)asappropriatetotheCaptureDevice.

CameraProvision

Where video recording is possible under the lecture recording system in use by the institution, a

suitablecameramountingpositionshallbeidentifiedandprovisionedwithpower,dataandvideotie

lines.Thechosenpositionwillhaveanunobstructedviewoftheentireteachingpresentationarea

atanangleofviewnogreaterthan15degreesverticallyand30degreeshorizontally.

Suitableprovisionshouldbemadeforlightingofthepresenterareawithoutspillontotheprojection

screen.(SeeLightingSection5.13,5.14)



8 Control System Integration

AETM fully supports and recommends the use of integrated control systems for all spaceswhere

AudioVisualsystemsaredeployed.

ThecontrolsystemusedshouldalwaysbespecifiedbytheUniversityAudioVisualstaffandmustbe

fully compatible with existing reporting and management systems, network standards and

programmingrequirements.

BestPracticestandardswillrequirethecontrolsystemperformthefollowingfunctions:

• Functionalcontrolofalllocalaudiovisualequipmentincluding(whererelevant)

o Poweron/off

o Functions(inputswitching,volumeetc.)

o Statusreporting

o Transportcontrols

o Warnings(e.g.lamphours)

• ControlofremoteAVsystems(lecturerecording,videoconferencing)

• Controlofelectromechanicaldevices(e.g.screens,stagecurtains)

• Controloflightingdimmingand/orswitching

• Controloflightingcontroldevices(blinds,curtains)

• EWISIntegration

• Intelligentpowermanagement

• Automatedshutdownofequipmentafterhoursoron“nosignal”

• Controlofair-conditioning

• Remotestatusreportinganderrorlogging

• CapabilityforRemoteassistance

Minimumstandardrequiresthecontrolsystemtoperformthefollowingfunctions

• Functionalcontrolofalllocalaudiovisualequipmentincluding(whererelevant)

o Poweron/off

o Functions(inputswitching,volumeetc.)

o Statusreporting

• Controlofelectromechanicaldevices(e.g.screens,stagecurtains)

• Intelligentpowermanagement

• EWISIntegration

Functionsshouldbeautomatedsuchthatasinglebuttonpress toselectaprojection inputshould

starttheprojector(andtheselectedsource),selectaudio,deployscreensandblindsandadjustthe

lighting. Full manual over-ride should also be available, should the user wish to alter the pre-

programmedlightingforexample.

Best practice requires all control systems to be networked, preferably on a separate sub-net to

provideenhancedsecurity.

All touch screen designs should conform to University-wide standards to maximise usability and

minimise the need for specific user training. Automation codemust provide for integrationwith

appropriatecampuswideAVcontrolmanagementsystems.



9 Whiteboards and Writing Surfaces (AdaptedfromUQStandardPF50)

Standard Type 9.1

Allwritingboardinstallations inspaceswithAVandITtechnologymustbedustfree.Whiteboards

andwriting surfaces using dry erase pens are suitable, however the dust from chalkboards is not

compatiblewithelectronictechnologyandmayalsohavenegativeOH&Simpacts.Forthesereasons

chalkboards/blackboardsdonotcomplywiththeAETMdesignguidelines.

Whilearangeofsurfaces, includingglassarenowbecomingpopular, thestandardsurface isstill

vitreousenamelonsteel,unlessotherwisespecified.

Multiple sliding boards 9.2

Multipleslidingboardsystemsshallbeconstructedsothatwiththebottomedgeoftherearboard

ataheightof1.0m,thefullareaofallboardsshallbecapableofbeingdisplayedabove. Multiple

slidingboardsystemsshallconsistofnomorethanthreeboards.

Fixing Height 9.3

Thebottomedgeof thewritingarea shallnotexceed900mm,orbe lower than850mmfromthe

finishedfloorlevel.

Storage for Writing Materials and Erasers 9.4

Temporarystorage forboardwritingmaterialsanderasersshallbeprovided. Thisshallbeashelf

along thebottomedgeof a fixedboardor along thebottomedgeof theouter board inmultiple

boardsystemsorasmallshelforboxtoonesideoftheboardsystemor lecternwhereabottom-

edge shelf is not appropriate. Care shall be taken to avoid sharp edges or corners on the shelf

system.

Anyshelfattached to thebottomedgeofboardsmustnotobstruct theuserwhenwritingon the

boardatthelostpossiblelevel.

Board Lighting 9.5

(seealso5.12BoardLights)

Board lighting shall be designed so that boards are clearly legible at all audience angles of view.

Board lighting shouldbeona separately controlledcircuit. Wherepossible,board lighting should

notspillontotheprojectionareainawaywhichwilldegradetheminimumavailablecontrastratio.

Boardlightingshallprovide300luxontheverticalplaneoftheboardsurfacewithoutcreatingglare

fortheviewersandwithoutcreatingreflectionsthatcouldobscuretheinformationthereon.

Board reflections 9.6

Roomlightingandwindowcurtainsshallbearrangedsothatlightreflectedfromthesurfaceofthe

boardsdoesnotreachtheaudienceandobscuretheinformationthereon.



10 Equipment Housing and Cabling Standards

for Teaching Spaces

Provision for Rack Mounted Equipment 10.1

In all spaces where audio visual equipment is to be fitted lockable, ventilated, purpose designed

spacemustbe reserved for theequipmentwhich comprises theaudio, video, control and lighting

subsystems.Provisionmustbemadeforpoweranddataaccesstothisspaceandforfitmentand

maintenanceofinterconnectingsignalcables.

Adequate bench spacemust be allowed for the fitment of control panels, previewmonitors, and

microphonesinadditiontouseroperatedequipmentsuchasVisualisersandgraphicstablets. This

spaceallowanceshouldbeinadditiontospaceforlecturerstoplacealaptoporportablePC,lecture

notesandpresentationaids.

Whilesomeequipment(suchaspoweramplifiers)aredesirablylocatedawayfromtheteachingarea

becauseofconsiderationsoffannoiseandheat,spacemustbereservedclosetothepresentation

areafortheaccommodationofequipmentwhichneedstobeaccessedtoinsertmedia(disks,USB

keys,tapesetc.)atthestartofateachingsession.ThismayincludePCs,diskplayers,tapeplayers

andrecordingdevices.

Provisionmustbemadetosecurethisequipmentinawaywhichallowsaccesstoloadingslots,trays

andconnectors.

Access for Maintenance 10.2

AudioVisualequipmentinprofessionaluseneedstobeaccessibleforroutinemaintenance(suchas

filtercleaning)andalsoforemergencymaintenanceshouldfailureormis-operationoccurduringa

teachingsession.

Professionalequipment typicallyhasoperational controlsandmountingscrewsat the front,while

power and signal interconnection is made at the rear. It is important therefore that provision is

madeforreadyaccesstoboththefrontandrearofequipmentracks.

Whererackframesaremounted in joinery, frontandrearaccessdoorsshouldbefittedwhichare

lockableandwideenoughtoallowremovaloftherackwithoutdisassemblyoftherackorremoval

ofthedoor.

WhereracksarefittedinroomssuchasCommsrooms,spacemustbelargeenoughforprovisionto

bemadetoaccessthefrontandrearoftherack.Commsroomaccessdoorsshouldbelockableand

wideenoughtoallowremovaloftherackwithoutdisassemblyoftherackorremovalofthedoor.

If audio visual equipment such as projectors and speakers are to be fitted to a space with flush

plasterboardceilings,AudioVisualmaintenancestafffromtheInstitutionshouldbeconsultedatDD

stage to determine the type and location of access hatches required to mount and service this

equipment.



Ventilation 10.3

Activeequipment(includingPCbasedequipment)generatessignificantheatwheninoperationand

excessiveoperatingtemperaturesdramaticallyaffectsystemreliabilityandservicelife.

RacksinJoineryUnits

Whereactiveequipmentisfittedtorackscontainedinjoineryunits,thespacecontainingthejoinery

mustbeair-conditioned.

Therackspacewithinthejoinerymustbeventilatedwithprovisiontosuckinfreshairatthebottom

andexhausthotairatthetop.Ventsshallbefittedwithappropriatemeshtorenderthemvermin

proof.Often,forcedairventilationisrequired,typicallyusinglowvoltagefanswhichcanoperateat

very low levels of noise. Two or more fans should be fitted if the active equipment power

consumptionexceeds100watts.

Ventilation provision should be such that the air temperature in the interior of the equipment

enclosure(worstcase)doesnotrisebymorethan10degreesCelsiusaboveambient.

RacksinCommunicationsRooms

Where active equipment is fitted to racks contained in Communications Rooms, the space

containingtheracksmustbeair-conditioned.

Itisessentialthatanyjoinery,cupboardsorrackenclosuresareprovidedwithventilationslotsatthe

bottom(todrawinfreshair)andatthetop(toexhausthotair).Ventilationslotsshouldbecovered

withexpandedmetalmeshtorenderthemverminproof.

Ventilation provision should be such that the air temperature in the interior of the equipment

enclosure(worstcase)doesnotrisebymorethan10degreesCelsiusaboveambient.

General Provisions for Equipment 10.4

Unlessrequiredtobeportablewhen inuse,allequipmentshallbefirmlysecuredtominimisethe

possibilityofunauthorisedremoval.Fasteningsandsupportsshallbeadequatetosupporttheload

appliedwithasafetyfactorofthreetimestheactualweight.

Allracks,housingsandinstalledorbench-topequipmentshallbelevel,plumbandsquare.

Consideration shall be given not only to access and operational efficiency but also to overall

aestheticfactorsinregardtoinstalledequipmentandhousings.



Cable Management Standards 10.5

Standards

Wiringmaterialsandstandardsofworkmanshipshall fullycomplywith therelevantdocumentsof

Standards Australia and the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), including

subsequentamendmentsapplicabletoanypartoritemformingpartoftheinstallation.

Cabling works shall also comply with any relevant requirements of the Electric Supply Authority

Regulations, the Australian Communications andMedia Authority, the Building Code of Australia,

andtheInsuranceCouncilofAustralia.

DigitalVideo

ComputerchipmakersIntelandAMDandcomputermanufacturershavejointlyannouncedtheend

of life foranaloguecomputervideo (VGA). TheannouncedendforVGA is2015,however laptops

are already appearingwith only digital display outputs. Consequently all AV system designmust

nowincludedigitalvideoinfrastructure.

Digitalvideopotentiallyprovidesimprovedimagequality,howevertobesuccessfullyimplemented

itrequirescarefulattentiontocableandsignalprocessingdesignandmeticulousadherencetocable

quality,termination,andinstallationstandards.

Some DVI/HDMI installations have been plagued by issues related to the transmission or

managementof:

• EDID (Extended Display Identification Data)

• HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection)

EDID is an electronic handshaking processwhere the resolution capability of the display device is

communicated to the sending device. The successful transmission and management of EDID

informationisessential.

HDCPisacopyrightprotectionsystemthatisnowincorporatedintoDVDplayers,Blurayplayersand

protectedcomputerbasedmediacontentsuchaspurchasedmovies.ThebehaviourofeachHDCP

protecteddevicecanvarydependingon themediabeingviewedand theoperatingsystemof the

device.Insomecasesthedevicecanstopworkingifitdetectsanon-compliantdeviceattachedto

thesystem.

The AETM strongly recommends that HDCP and EDID management be incorporated into the

planning,designandinstallationofcablingandprocessinghardware.

CableLabelingandNumbering

All connectors, patch leads, audio/video leads, controls, equipment and components, terminal

blocksandequipmentracksshallbepermanently labelled ina formatapprovedbytheUniversity.

Abbreviationsareacceptableonlywhenshownondrawings.

Allfixedlabels,otherthanthoseaffixedtocables,shallbepermanentlyengravedinmetalorplastic

laminate.

All cable numbering and/or identification shall be performed using labels approved by the

University.Labelsshallbeaffixedatbothendsofeachcable.Thereshallbenounmarkedcablesat

anyplaceinthesystem.



TheproposedcablenumberingsystemshallbesubmittedtotheUniversity forapproval toensure

consistencyandcoordinationwiththerestoftheCampusinstallations.

CableLayoutandDressing

Allinter-rackandintra-rackcablingshallbeneatlylaced,dressedandadequatelysupported.

Allexposedcableshallbedressedwithheavydutyneopreneheat-shrinktubing

NylonCableManagementJacket:TheAVContractorshallorganiseallsignalandpowercableswhich

connectequipmentrackstoadjacentelectricaldevices.Thesecablesshallbebundledandinstalled

withinblacknylonwovenmesh fabric. This fabric jacket shall bemanufactured for suchpurposes

andshallbesizedappropriatelytothequantitiesandsizesofcablescontainedwithin.

All cables shall be grouped according to the signals being carried to reduce signal contamination.

Separategroupsshallbeformedforthefollowing:

• Power

• ControlCables

• ComputerDataCables

• VideoCables

• AudioCablescarryingsignalslessthan-20dbm

• AudioCablescarryingsignalsbetween-20dbmand+20dbm

• AudioCablescarryingsignalsmorethan+20dbm

Eachgroupshallbespacedataminimumsegregationof50mmorthatspecifiedbythethencurrent

wiringregulationsforthatsignaltype(whicheverisgreater).Inallcases,segregationwillbesuchas

to ensure nomeasurable induced current shall flow in the lower voltage cable as a result of its

proximitytoahighervoltagecable.Wherecablesofdifferentsignallevelmustcrosstheyshalldoso

atanangleof90degreesforatleast500mmfromthecrossingpoint.

Route all cable and wiring within equipment racks and joinery according to function, separating

wires of different signal levels (microphone, line level, amplifier output, AC, intercom, etc.) by as

muchdistanceaspossible.NeatlyarrangeandbundleallcablewithplasticorVelcrotiesaccording

totherequirementsoftheUniversity.

Asageneralpractice,allpowercables,controlcablesandhighlevelcablesshallberunontheright

sideofanequipmentrackasviewedfromtherear.Allothercablesshallberunontheleftsideas

viewedfromtherear.

Where there aremultiple adjacent equipment racks, the looming shall alternate. For example, as

viewedfromtherear,allpowercables,controlcablesandhighlevelcablesshallberunontheright

side. For the next rack, these shall be on the left side and the low level cables on the right. This

schemewillalternatefromracktorack,ensuringmaximumspacing.

CableTermination

Allcables,excepthighfrequencycableswhichmustbecuttoanelectricallength,shallbecuttothe

length dictated by the run. Terminal blocks, boards, strips or connectors, shall be supplied for all

cableswhichinterfacewithracks,cabinets,consolesorequipmentmodules.



Cablesmustbeofthecorrecttypeandmanufacturerprovidedforinthedrawingsandspecifications

unlessequivalentsareapprovedinwritingbytheUniversity.

Propercircuitpolarityandloudspeakerwiringpolaritymustbeobservedatalltimes.Patchpanels

andconnectorsshallbewiredasfollows:

Wire Connector Signal

RedorWhite Pin#2 HotorPositive

BlackorBlue Pin#3 ColdorNegative

Shield Pin#1 Groundorcommon

Nocablesshallbewiredwithapolarityreversalbetweenconnectorsateitherend.

All circuits shouldbebalancedand floating,exceptasnoted in the specification. All systemwire,

except sparewire, after being cut and stripped, shall have thewire strands twisted back to their

originallayandbeterminatedbyapprovedsolderedormechanicalmeans.Nobarewireendswillbe

accepted.

Heatshrinktypetubingshallbeusedtoinsulateanddresstheendsofallwireandcablesincludinga

separatetubeforthegroundordrainwire.

Allsolderconnectionsshallbemadewithrosin-coresolder.Temperaturecontrolledsolderingirons

ratedatleast40wattsshallbeusedforallsolderingwork.Allmechanicalconnectionsshallbemade

with approved crimp plugs of the correct size and type for the connection. Wire nuts are not

permitted. Each connector shall be attachedwith the proper size controlled-duty-cycle ratcheting

crimptoolwhichhasbeenapprovedbythemanufactureroftheconnectors.

AlluseofdatacablingwhetherusedfornetworkdataorAVsignaltransmissionmustcomplywith

theinstitution’sdatacablingstandardsforquality,installationandtermination.Tobeacceptedthe

installedcablingmustpasstheinstitution’sapprovedtestingprocess.



11 Audio Visual Fit-Out: Recommendations for

Specific Room Types

INTRODUCTION 11.1

To better reflect the use of AV systems in a growing variety of learning environments and

incorporate the range of modern presentation and collaboration technology now available, the

AETM has changed the approach to the description of room and system types. Instead of

attemptingtomatchatparticular technologytoaparticularroomuse, theAETMhasadoptedthe

followingsimpleoptionandclassificationsystem.

1. PresentationOptions–availableinanysizespace

Therearethreecategories:

• Centrallargescreendisplay(s)

• AV Cabled Distribution to Multiple Displays

• Network Streamed AV Distribution to Student PCs

2. CollaborationOptions–availabletouseinanumberofsettings

• User Supplied Laptops/Portable Electronic Devices

• Shared Collaboration Group Displays

• Individual Computers and Monitors

3. RoomSize(orCapacity)–theGeneralConsiderationsthatapplytoeachcategory

• Large Spaces – e.g. Halls, Auditoria, Large Lecture theatres, some labs

• Medium spaces – e.g. some Theatres, Collaboration spaces, seminar rooms and more

• Small spaces – e.g. Classrooms, tutorial rooms, some labs, meeting rooms and more



Choosingtherightpresentationandcollaborationoptionstomeetthefunctionalandperformance

requirements is the role of the AV designer. Through consultation with stakeholders, the AV

designerwill choose theappropriateoptionsanddevelopanAVbriefandspecification foruseby

thearchitect,electricalandmechanicalconsultantsandtheaudiovisualintegrators.Whenitcomes

toAVonesizedoesdefinitelynot fitall. Althougheach institutionwillhavestandardsystems for

particularroomtypes,thedesignerneedsfitthestandardintoaspecificarchitecturalenvironment

andbereadytousedifferentoptionstomeetnewfunctionalrequirementsortodealwithdifficult

architecturalissues.

These sections are also intended to guide academic, administrative and building project staff by

providing an overview of equipment required to which institutions may add their own general

requirementsorspecificrequirementstomeettheneedsofaparticulardiscipline.

MinimumGeneralRequirementsRecommendations

TheMinimum and Best Practice recommendations have been developed by surveying the AETM

membershipofmorethanthirtytertiaryinstitutions.Theminimumrecommendationscomprisethe

essential equipment specifications and facilities without teaching would be significantly

compromised.

BestPracticeGeneralRequirementsRecommendations

TheBest Practice recommendationshavebeendevelopedby surveying theAETMmembership to

bring together a national consensus regarding the set of equipment specifications and facilities

whichempowerthewidestrangeofpedagogiesineachofthespecifictypesofteachingspaces.



ImageCourtesyofSteelcase

Presentation Options 11.2

TherearethreecommonchoicesforPresentationofteachingmaterialinaneducationalsetting:

• Presentationtothefullaudiencefromoneormorecentrallargescreen/display(s)

• AVCabledDistributiontoMultipleDisplays

• NetworkStreamedAVDistributiontoStudentPCs

Thechoiceofwhichisbesttousecanbecomplexandisoftendeterminedbylocalfactorssuchas

thepreferencesoftheFacultyandthestudentcohort.

PresentationOption1CentralProjection,VideoWallorArray

Presentationtothefullaudiencefromoneormorecentrallargescreen/display(s).

Theuseofacentraldisplayrequiressufficientceilingheightandunobstructedsightlinesforallthe

audience.Seesection4.2fordetailsonscreens,screensizing,sightlinesandceilingheightsand

section4.4forlightinginspaceswithprojection.

Note:Forprojectioninlargespaceslargeprojectors(andthereforepossiblynoisy)mayberequired.

Forprojectorswithoperatingnoiseofgreaterthan40dBanair-

conditionedsoundproofenclosureisessential.

LARGE&MEDIUMSPACES

Theminimumrequirementisasinglehighpowerwidescreen

projectororvideowall/arraydisplay.

Recommended-Twoormoreinstalledhighpowerwidescreen

projectors&screensorvideowalldisplay/arraywithimage

processorformultipleimages

SMALLSPACES

Thebasicpurposemaybeservedbyasinglelarge

formatLCDflatscreendisplay,widescreenprojector,

orvideowalldisplay/array.Moreflexibilitymaybe

obtainedfromdualinstalledwidescreenprojectors&

screens,orlargeformatLCDflatscreens*,orvideo

walldisplay/array*

*Recommendedforvideoconferenceapplications.

Notes:Somespacesmaynotphysicallyallowmultiple

screensorcoursessuchascinemastudiesmaypreferasingle

screen.Somesystemsmayrequiremoreprojectors/displays

dependingonspacialrequirementsand/orfunctionalbrief.Aframestore/freezecapabilitycan

enhancedualscreenfunctionalitybyallowingimagesorlivenotationsuchasmathsformulaetobe

frozenononedisplaywhilecontinuingliveonanother.



PresentationOption2:AVCabledDistributiontoMultipleDisplays

AV cabled distribution via matrix switchers and/or

distributionamplifiersandcablinginfrastructure.

SeeCollaborationOption2fordistributeddisplaychoices.

Distributioncanbevia:

a. Highqualitydigitalvideocabling(runlength

limitsapply)

b. AVproprietarysignalsoverIPnetworkcabling

infrastructureusingAVtransmittersandreceivers

toconverttoandfromstandardformats.

c. IP network compliantAVdata over standard network cabling and switching infrastructure

andTX/RXdevices.

PresentationOption3:NetworkStreamedAVDistributiontoStudentPCs

Network/softwarebasedAVdistributionvia

classroomcollaborationand/orscreensharing

softwaretostudentcomputers.

SeeCollaborationOption3forcommonusage.

Distributioncanbevia:

a. Classroommanagementsoftwaresuchas

NetSupportSchool,NetOpsetc.(limited

motionvideocapability)

b. Webcollaboration/screensharingsoftwaresuchasConnect,Lync,Teamspot,Webex,

Collaborate,GoToMeeting,JoinMeetc.

Alow-latencystreamingencodersolutionisrecommendedtocaptureanddistributenon-

residentPCsourcessuchaslaptops,visualisers,camerasetc.

Note:ManyclassroommanagementapplicationscansendcommandstostudentPCswiththe

softwareinstalledthatcanopenwidowstostreamingencoderoutputs.Streamingoverwireless

directlytostudentlaptopsmaybepossible,butthetechnologyisevolvingandthoroughtesting

ofanyproposedsolutionisrecommended.



Collaboration Options 11.3

There are three common technology choices for facilitating collaboration amongst students in a

tertiarysetting:

• UserSuppliedLaptops/PortableElectronicDevices

• SharedCollaborationGroupDisplays

• IndividualComputersandMonitors

Asbefore,thechoiceisoftendeterminedbylocalfactorssuchasthepreferencesoftheFacultyand

thestudentcohort.

CollaborationOption1:UserSuppliedLaptops/PortableElectronicDevices

WirelessNetworkingOnlyforusewith

Laptops/PersonalDevices.

Unlesscomputersareprovidedfor

individualuse,alllearningspaces

shouldcaterforlaptopusewith

wirelessnetworkingprovidedbythe

institution.Howeverindividuallaptops

havelimitationsforuseingroupfaceto

facecollaboration.Asinglelaptop

screencanonlycomfortablybeshared

by2-3people.

Useofscreensharingsoftwareandmultiplelaptopsmaycaterforlargergroups;howeverthe

functionalityandeaseofusemaynotmatchadedicatedshareddisplay.Notethatlimitedscreen

sharingoptionsarecurrentlyavailablefrompersonaldevicessuchasiPadsandphones.

Highcapacitywirelessnetworksareessential.Considerationshouldbegiventotheprovisioningof

ACpowerforlaptopsinmannerthatavoidstriphazards.

Ifgroupcollaborationispartofthefunctionalbrief,furnitureshouldeitherbeconducivetogroup

collaborationorreconfigurable.

CollaborationOption2:SharedGroupDisplays

GroupCollaborationSharedDisplayand

DistributedPresentationChoices.

Sophisticatedswitchingsystemsmayberequiredif

thedisplaysaretoservebothapresentationand

collaborationpurpose.

Thismaybeprovidedasmultiplecomputersand

monitorsaroundacollaborationtable.Ifso,note

thatlowprofilePCanddisplayconfigurationsassist

crosstablediscussion.

AsecondoptionistheprovisionofsharedlargeformatLCD/LEDdisplays.Inthiscaseitis

recommendedthatasharedcollaborationcomputerbeprovided,connectedamulti-touchoverlay

onthedisplayformoredynamicinteraction.Screensharingsoftwareand/orcablestoallowlaptops

todisplayontheshareddisplay.Triphazardsmustbeconsideredforlaptopcableconnections.

PhotocourtesyWilsonArchitects

PhotocourtesyDarleneS.CardilloAlbanyLawSchool



DisplayChoicesforvariousGroupSizes

NumberinGroup RecommendedDisplay*

3-6participants 32”-46”display

6-12participants 55”-65”display

8-20participants Interactivewhiteboardandultra-shortthrowprojector

8-20+participants Dedicatedcollaborationgroupprojectorandscreen

*UsetheAETMsizingratiosuitableforhighdefinitionresolutions(seeSection4)

FurnitureConsiderations

Manycollaborationfurnitureformsarepossible,howeverthemostsuitabletableshapeforboth

viewingashareddisplayandcrosstableconversationisahyperbolawithasquared-offendthat

partiallyorientsparticipantsatthesideofthetabletowardsthescreen,butstillmaintainssufficient

crosstableeye-lines.AllAETMsightlineguidelinesapplytosharedcollaborationdisplays.For

displayswithtouchfunctionality,accesstothedisplayneedstobeallowedfor.Coincidentally,the

compromisehyperbolicshapeimprovesthewebcamviewofthecollaborationgroupreceivedbya

remoteparticipant.

CollaborationOption3:IndividualComputersandMonitors

IndividualComputing

Individualcomputingisacommon

arrangementincomputerlabsorother

spaceswhereeachparticipantrequiresone-

to-oneaccesstoacomputer.

Individualcomputinggenerallyhasthesame

physicalthree-personcollaborationlimitas

laptops.Electronicgroupcollaborationis

feasibleusingscreensharingand/orweb

collaborationsoftware;howeverthe

solutionmaylackthedynamicsoffaceto

facecollaboration.Iftheeducationalbrief

requiresit,effectiveface-to-facegroupcollaborationisstillpossiblewiththoughtfularchitectural

design,carefulattentiontothephysicalformofthefurnitureandinnovativeintegrationoflow

profiletechnologyorotherbespoketechnologysolutions.

MatchingPresentationOptionstosuitCollaborativeLearning

PresentationOption1(CentralScreen)mayworkifsightlinesallow

PresentationOption2(CabledDistribution)ispossibleusingeitherthestudent’smonitor(ifseparate

tothecomputer)plusswitching,orasecondpresentationmonitor.

PresentationOption3(Streamingviathenetwork)canprovideacosteffectivesolutionthroughuse

oftheinstallednetworkandstudentcomputerhardware.ThismodeissuitableforusewithAll-in-

OnecomputersandBYOdevices.



Size and Capacity Classifications 11.4

AETMrecommendstheuseofthreeclassificationsforteachingspacecapacity.Eachsizehasitsown

setofrecommendationsbasedonstyleofspace,volumeandtypicalcapacity.

TheClassificationsare:

• Large:e.g.Auditorium,LectureTheatre,LargeLearningStudio,LargeLaboratory

• Medium:Flexiblelearningspace,SeminarRoom,LearningStudio,Lab,ComputerLab

• Small:Classroom,SmallSeminar/TutorialRoom,CollaborationSpace,MeetingRoom,Lab

Asbefore,thechoiceisoftendeterminedbylocalfactorssuchasthepreferencesoftheFacultyand

thestudentcohort.



12 Large Learning Spaces

Technology Checklist for Large Spaces 12.1

LargeLearningSpace(100+Seats)e.g.Auditorium,

LectureTheatre,LearningStudio,Labetc.

General Requirements

Minimum Requirement

Best Practice

Furniture AVdesk/lectern/console Yes Yes

AVControl AVcontrolsystem Yes Yes

Telephone AVsupport&emergencyhelptelephone Yes Yes

Audio Soundreproductioncapabilityforallsources Yes Yes

Speechreinforcementsystem Yes Yes

Presenterwirelessmicrophone Yes Yes

Audiencewirelessmicrophone Recommended Yes

Hearingaugmentationsystem BCArequired Yes

EWISmuteinterfacing BCArequired Yes

Audioinput/outputconnectionsforexpandability Yes Yes

Acoustics Roomsoundproofedandacousticallytreated Yes Yes

Vision

Sources

Digitallaptopinput(HDMIrecommended)

Yes Yes

VGA(analogue)laptopinput Optional Optional

ResidentPCwithDVDplayer*,wiredkeyboardandmouse

forteacher/presenteruse

Yes Yes

Visualiser/documentcamera Recommended Yes

MultiformatandmultiregionBlu-rayDVD/AudioCDplayer. Recommended Yes

Recording

and/or

Streaming

Hardware-basedaudioandimagecaptureand/orstreaming

ofanypresentedsourceasrequiredbytheinstitution’s

policies.

Optional Yes

Lighting AlightingsystemtomeetAustralianStandards Yes Yes

Forspaceswithprojection-Lightinginseparatezones Yes Yes

Forspaceswithprojection–directionallightingonthe

presenterareaswithoutspillonthescreens

Yes Yes

Occupancysensors Yes Yes

FullcontroloverlightingbyuserviaAVcontrolsystem Yes Yes

Laptops Powerforstudentlaptops&devices Recommended Yes

Conferences ForAuditorium&LargeLTSpaces-AdditionalLaptopand

MicInputs(typicallyinfloorboxes)

Recommended Yes

ForAuditoriumSpaces-tie-lines,workspacesformixing

desks,secureAVsystemI/Opatchpoints,etc.

Recommended Yes

ForAuditoriumSpaces-AVsystemI/Opatchpoints Recommended Yes

ForAuditoriumSpaces–powerandnetworkinthefoyer

fordisplays,attendeeregistrationsandcatering

Recommended Yes



Detailed Requirements in Large Spaces 12.2

AVFurniture: AVdesk/lectern/consoletotheinstitution’srequirements,orapprovedcustom

designthatmeetsfunctionalrequirementsofspace,equipmentventilationandaccess.Note:

dependingontheAVsystemadditionalequipmentrackspacemayberequired

AVControl: seeSection8fordetails

AVcontrolsystemtomatchtheinstitution’sstandardswith:

• User control interface delivered by one or more of the following: o Touch panel or button panel o The institution’s standard user interface integrated with a PC screen (preferably touch

enabled) o Secure web interface to match the institution’s standards o Apps on portable devices

• Connected via IP for remote diagnostics, reporting, control of room by AV Help Desk

• Control of: display system(s), source control & switching; audio control and other functions as required.

Telephone AVsupport&emergencyhelptelephone

Audio –seeSection7fordetails

Soundreproductioncapabilityforallpresentationsources,includingHDMIdigitalandanalogue

audiosources

• Speech reinforcement system compliant with the AETM & ANSI requirements, typically including DSP/audio mixer, amplifier(s) and speakers

• Presenter wireless microphone

• Audience wireless microphone

• Hearing augmentation system (eg Hearing Loops, IR or Wireless systems for people with hearing impairment)

• EWIS mute interfacing

• Audio input and output connections for system expandability, e.g. audio output to a personal hearing augmentation device or audio input of a mixer for panel discussion with multiple microphones.

AcousticsseeSection6fordetails

RoomsoundproofedagainstexternalnoiseandacousticaltreatedinternallytomeetAustralian

Standard

VisionSources

• Digital laptop input (HDMI recommended) - with the following inclusions presented on the AV furniture with consideration to cable management:

o HDMI lead (with user selectable HDMI audio capability and HDCP system compliance)

o Analogue mini-jack audio lead with user selectable operation and enough length for different laptop configurations

o Network cable with RJ45 termination o Accessible power point (double recommended) o Optional - Wireless presentation interface and/or software – eg Intel WIDI adapter or

AppleTV or other device/software

• VGA (analogue) laptop input - (refer to the institution’s plan for the phase-out of VGA) If included, the VGA input normally shares the use of connection cables and the power point with digital laptop input.



• Resident PC with DVD player, wired keyboard and mouse for teacher/presenter use. Additional options include:

o Monitor o Touchscreen monitor or interactive pen display for live annotation (recommended). o Wireless mouse or presenter remote for PowerPoint control (recommended) o Wireless keyboard o Interactive whiteboard interface (requires consideration of factors such as room size,

operational objectives and system integration) o Software/Network based presentation and/or collaboration software – see presentation

and collaboration options o Webcam (requires consideration of audio connections and communications software) o Presentation capture software (captures PC output only) o Personal Response Systems (PRS) voting software o Remote access software for user support

• Visualiser /document camera - in some environments options may include a microscope camera or a demonstration camera(s)

• Multi format and multi region Blu-ray DVD/Audio CD player. The number of digital keys the device provides needs to be investigated especially for multi screen systems.

Othersourcesmaybeaddeddependingonthespecificrequirementsofthespaceorinstitution’s

standards.Examplesofpossibleadditionalsourcesare:

• Video conferencing codec

• Wireless presentation hardware devices

• Distributed video endpoints – e.g. a building or enterprise video distribution system

• Room cameras

• Specialist equipment – e.g. medical simulation mannequin systems, scientific equipment

Recordingand/orStreaming

Hardware-basedaudioandimagecaptureand/orstreamingofanypresentedsourceasrequiredby

theinstitution’spolicies.Mayincludecameracaptureofthepresenterdependingonthe

institution’spreferredpractice.Whereavideoconferencingcodecispartofthesystemdesign,an

additionaloutputmayberequired.

Lighting

AlightingsystemdesignedtomeettherelevantAustralianStandardsandinspaceswithprojection

theANSI/InfoCommstandardforcontrastratios–seesection5fordetails.Thelightingsystem

shouldincludethefollowing:

• For spaces with projection - Lighting in separate zones (board lights, presenter spot lights, audience area etc.)

• For spaces with projection – Theatrical grade directional lighting on the presenter areas without spill on the screens

• Occupancy sensors capable of detecting stationary occupants, e.g. dual technology IR+ Ultrasonic

• Full control over lighting levels by user via AV control system

LaptopProvisions GPOsforstudentlaptops&devicesprovidedinamannerthatavoidstrip

hazardsandwirelessnetworkingdesignedfortheexpectedcapacity

Conferences

ForAuditorium&LargeLTSpaces-AdditionalLaptopandMicInputsforpaneldiscussiontables

and/oradditionallecterns(typicallyinfloorboxes)

ForAuditoriumSpaces–

• Tie-lines, workspaces for mixing desks, secure AV system I/O patch points, etc. for conference staging companies

• secure AV system I/O patch points For News cameras

• power and wireless and wired network points in the foyer areas for exhibit displays, attendee registrations and catering



13 Medium Learning Spaces

Technology Checklist for Medium Spaces 13.1

MediumSizedSpace(30-100seats)e.g.Flexiblelearningspace,SeminarRoom,LearningStudio,Lab,Computerlab,etc

General Requirements

Minimum Requirement

Best Practice

Furniture AVdesk/lectern/console Yes Yes

AVControl AVcontrolsystem Yes Yes

Telephone AVsupport&emergencyhelptelephone Yes Yes

Audio Soundreproductioncapability Yes Yes

Speechreinforcementsystem (>40) Yes

Presenterwirelessmicrophone Yes(>40) Yes

Audiencewirelessmicrophone Optional Yes

Hearingaugmentationsystem ToBCAregs Yes

EWISmuteinterfacing ToBCAregs Yes

Audioinputandoutputconnectionsforexpandability Optional Yes


Vision

Sources

Digitallaptopinput(HDMIrecommended Yes Yes

VGA(analogue)laptopinput Optional Optional

ResidentPCwithDVDplayer Yes Yes

Visualiser/documentcamera Optional Yes

MultiformatandmultiregionDVD/AudioCDplayer Optional Yes

Recording

and/or

Streaming

Hardware-basedaudioandimagecaptureand/orstreaming

ofanypresentedsourceasrequiredbytheinstitution’s

policies.

Optional Optional

Lighting AlightingsystemtomeettheAustralianStandards Yes Yes

Forspaceswithprojection-Lightinginseparatezones

(boardlights,presenterspotlights,audienceareaetc.)

Yes Yes

Forspaceswithprojection-Commercialgradedirectional

lightingonthepresenterareaswithoutspillonthescreens

Yes Yes

Occupancysensorscapableofdetectingstationary

occupants,e.g.dualtechnologyIR+Ultrasonic

Optional Yes

FullcontroloverlightinglevelsbyuserviaAVcontrolsystem Optional Yes



Detailed Requirements in Medium Spaces 13.2

AVFurniture:AVdesk/lectern/consoletotheinstitution’srequirements,orapprovedcustom

designthatmeetsfunctionalrequirementsofspace,equipmentventilationandaccess.

Note:dependingontheAVsystemadditionalequipmentrackspacemayberequired

AVControl:SeeSection8fordetails




• Connected via IP network for remote diagnostics, reporting, control of room by AV Help Desk



Audio: SeeSection7fordetails


audiosources

o Speech reinforcement system compliant with the AETM & ANSI requirements, typically including DSP/audio mixer, amplifier(s) and speakers

o Presenter wireless microphone o Audience wireless microphone o Hearing augmentation system (eg Hearing Loops, IR or Wireless systems for people

with hearing impairment) o EWIS mute interfacing o Audio input and output connections for system expandability, e.g. audio output to a

personal hearing augmentation device or audio input of a mixer for panel discussion with multiple microphones.

Acoustics:SeeSection6fordetails


Standards

VisionSources




o Network cable with RJ45 termination o Accessible power point (double recommended)


• Resident PC with DVD player*, wired keyboard and mouse for teacher/presenter use

.Additionaloptionsinclude:

o Monitor o Touchscreen monitor or interactive pen display for live annotation (recommended).



o Wireless mouse or presenter remote for PowerPoint control (recommended) o Wireless keyboard o Interactive whiteboard interface (requires consideration of factors such as room size,

operational objectives and system integration) o Software/Network based presentation and/or collaboration software – see presentation

and collaboration options o Webcam (requires consideration of audio connections and communications software) o Presentation capture software (captures PC output only) o Personal Response Systems (PRS) voting software o Remote access software for user support

*Themulti-regioncapabilityofthecomputer’sDVDdriveneedstobeconsidered.Note:TheVLC

playersoftwarecanplayDVDsfromallregions.


• Multi format and multi region DVD/Audio CD player. The number of digital keys the device provides needs to be investigated especially for multi-screen systems. Blu-ray players are also an option, however their multi-region capability needs to be considered.

• Other optional sources may be required depending on the specific requirements of the space or institution’s standards.

Examplesofpossibleadditionalsourcesare:o Video conferencing codec o Wireless presentation hardware devices o Distributed video endpoints – e.g. a building or enterprise video distribution system o Room cameras o Specialist equipment – e.g. medical simulation mannequin systems, scientific

equipment, etc.



theinstitution’spolicies.Thesystemmayincludecameracaptureofthepresenterdependingonthe



Lighting










14 Small Learning and Meeting Spaces

Technology Checklist for Medium Spaces 14.1

SmallLearning/MeetingSpace(3-30Seats)SmallSeminar/TutorialRoom,CollaborationSpace,MeetingRoom,Lab

General Requirements Minimum Requirement

Best Practice

FurnitureMeetingtablebasedAVsystemwithseparateequipment

rackorAVdesk/lectern/consoleYes Yes

AVControl AVcontrolsystem Recommended Yes

Telephone AVsupport&emergencyhelptelephone Recommended Yes

Audio Soundreproductioncapability Yes Yes

Speechreinforcementsystem Optional Yes

Presenterwirelessmicrophone Optional Yes

Audiencewirelessmicrophone Optional Yes

Hearingaugmentationsystem ToBCAregs Yes

EWISmuteinterfacing ToBCAregs ToBCAregs

Audioinputandoutputconnectionsforexpandability Optional Optional


Vision

Sources

DigitallaptopinputToavoidtriphazardsatmeetingtables

theinputforlaptopsmustpresentatthetable.

Yes Yes

VGA(analogue)laptop Optional Optional

ResidentPCwithDVDplayer*,keyboardandmouse Optional Yes

Visualiser/documentcamera Optional Optional

MultiformatandmultiregionDVD/AudioCDplayer Optional Optional

Recording/

Streaming

Hardware-basedaudioandimagecaptureorstreamingof

anypresentedsourceifrequiredbytheinstitution’spolicies.

Optional Optional

Lighting

AlightingsystemtomeetAustralianStandardsandinspaces

withprojectiontheANSI/InfoCommstandardforcontrast

ratios

Yes Yes

Forspaceswithprojection-Lightinginseparatezones

(boardlights,presenterspotlights,audienceareaetc.)

Yes Yes

Forspaceswithprojection-directionallightingonthe

presenterareaswithoutspillonthescreens

Optional Yes

Occupancysensorscapableofdetectingstationary

occupants,e.g.dualtechnologyIR+Ultrasonic

Optional Yes

UsercontroloverlightinglevelsviaAVcontrolsystem Optional Yes

Laptops

Powerforstudentlaptops&devicesprovidedinamanner

thatavoidstriphazardsandwirelessnetworkingdesigned

fortheexpectedcapacity

Recommended Yes



Detailed Requirements in Medium Spaces 14.2

AVFurniture:MeetingtablebasedAVsystemwithseparateequipmentrackorAV

desk/lectern/consoletotheinstitution’srequirements,orapprovedcustomdesignthatmeets

functionalrequirementsofspace,equipmentventilationandaccess.

Note:dependingontheAVsystemadditionalequipmentrackspacemayberequired

AVControl:SeeSection8fordetails.




• Connected via IP network for remote diagnostics, reporting, control of room by AV Help Desk



Audio: SeeSection7fordetails.



audiosources

o Speech reinforcement system compliant with the AETM & ANSI requirements, typically including DSP/audio mixer, amplifier(s) and speakers

o Presenter wireless microphone o Audience wireless microphone o Hearing augmentation system (eg Hearing Loops, IR or Wireless systems for people

with hearing impairment) o EWIS mute interfacing o Audio input and output connections for system expandability, e.g. audio output to a

personal hearing augmentation device or audio input of a mixer for panel discussion with multiple microphones.

Acoustics:SeeSection6fordetails.


Standards

VisionSources:




o Network cable with RJ45 termination o Accessible power point (double recommended) o Optional - Wireless presentation interface and/or software – eg Intel WIDI adapter or

AppleTV or other device/software

Toavoidtriphazardsatmeetingtablestheaboverequirementsforlaptopsmustpresentatthe

table.




• Resident PC with DVD player*, wired keyboard and mouse for presenter use. Additional options include:

o Monitor o Touchscreen monitor or interactive pen display for live annotation (recommended). o Wireless mouse or presenter remote for PowerPoint control (recommended) o Wireless keyboard o Interactive whiteboard interface (requires consideration of factors such as room size,

operational objectives and system integration) o Software/Network based presentation and/or collaboration software – see

presentation and collaboration options o Webcam (requires consideration of audio connections and communications software) o Presentation capture software (captures PC output only) o Personal Response Systems (PRS) voting software o Remote access software for user support

*Themulti-regioncapabilityofthecomputer’sDVDdriveneedstobeconsidered.


• Multi format and multi region DVD/Audio CD player. The number of digital keys the device provides needs to be investigated especially for multi-screen systems. Blu-ray players are also an option, however their multi-region capability needs to be considered.

• Other optional sources may be required depending on the specific requirements of the space or institution’s standards.

Someexamplesofpossibleadditionalsourcesare:

o Video conferencing codec -– o Wireless presentation hardware devices o Distributed video endpoints – e.g. a building or enterprise video distribution system o Room cameras o Specialist equipment – e.g. medical simulation mannequin systems, scientific

equipment, etc.



theinstitution’spolicies.Thesystemmayincludecameracaptureofthepresenterdependingonthe



Lighting








Laptops:Powerforstudentlaptops&devicesprovidedinamannerthatavoidstriphazardsand

wirelessnetworkingdesignedfortheexpectedcapacity



15 The Classification System in Use ThefollowingpagespresentrealworldexamplesoftertiaryteachingspacesusingtheAETMsystem.

ExampleRoomSystems PresentationOptionsUsed CollaborationOptionsUsed

Large Auditorium 1–TripleProjection 1-LaptopWirelessNetwork&Power

UniversityofNewSouth

Wales–SirJohnClancy

Auditorium

PhotoCourtesyofUNSW

Large Hall 1-LEDVideoWall 1-Laptopwirelessnetwork&Power

UniversityofTechnology

Sydney–GreatHall

PhotoCourtesyofUTS

Large LectureTheatre 1–DualProjection&LCDsDisplays 3–IndividualComputing

UniversityofQueensland

ACTSExperimental

CollaborativeLecture

Theatre

PhotoCourtesyofUQ




Large LectureTheatre 1–DualProjection 1-Laptopwirelessnetwork&Power

UniversityofAlberta:

CentennialCentrefor

InterdisciplinaryScience

500seatLectureTheatre

Copyright:

UniversityofAlberta

Large LearningStudio

1–Projectionscreenarray

2-DistributedAVoverIP

1–StudentLaptops

2–GroupComputing

UniversityofSydneyPNR

Building,96-144seat

LearningStudio

PhotoCourtesyofUSyd

Large Lab 2–DistributedAVtostudentPC

monitors

3–IndividualComputing

LondonMetropolitan

University:SuperLab

260seatflexiblemulti-class

wetlab




Medium Collaborative

LectureTheatre

1–DualProjection

2-DistributedAV

1–StudentLaptops

3–IndividualComputing(inpairs)

UniversityofQueensland

3rdGenerationCollaborative

Teaching&LearningSpace

PhotoCourtesyofDerek

Powell

Medium Presentation

Space

1–VideoWall

2-DistributedAVtootherspaces

1–StudentLaptops

UniversityofCanberra–

InspireCentre

Medium Flexible

LearningSpace

1–MultipleProjection

2-DistributedAVtoLCDscreens

1–StudentLaptops

2–GroupComputing

UniversityofMelbourne-

AxelLearningLab

PhotoCourtesyof

UniversityofMelbourne




Medium SeminarRoom 1–Projection

3-DistributedAVoverIP/Software

1–StudentLaptops

2–GroupComputing

QUT–StandardSeminar

Roomwithmobilegroup

screensandcomputers

PhotoCourtesyofQUT

Medium SeminarRoom 1–Projection


&MPEGencoder

1–StudentLaptops

2–SharedComputingforpairs

UniversityofSydneyPNR

Building–SeminarRoom

withsharedstudent

computingatgrouptables

PhotoCourtesyofUSyd

Medium Lab 1–MultipleProjectors


&Server

3–IndividualComputing

MonashUniversity

BiologicalSciences

MicroscopyLaboratory

PLACEHOLDERIMAGE




Small TutorialRoom 1-Projection 1–StudentLaptops

UniversityofMelbourne–

TutorialRoom

PhotoCourtesyof

UniversityofMelbourne

Small MeetingRoom 1–DualLCDDisplays(withVideo

Conferencing)

1–Laptops

2–SharedComputing

TheUniverityofSydney–

LawFacultyBoardroom

PhotoCourtesyofUSyd

Small Collaboration

Booth

1–LCDDisplaywithtouchoverlay 1–Laptops

2–SharedComputing

UniversityofSydney–

CollaborationBooth

PhotoCourtesyofUSyd

Small Collaboration

Booth

1–LCDDisplays 1–Laptops

2–SharedComputing

UTS–CollaborationBooths

PhotoCourtesyofUTS



16 Sources, Referenced Publications and

Reading

AudiovisualSpecificStandards

ANSI/INFOCOMM 2M-2010: Standard Guide for Audiovisual Systems Design and Coordination

Processes.

ANSI/INFOCOMM3M-2011:ProjectedImageSystemContrastRatio

British Standards Institute 2009. PAS 122:2009: Specification for the installation of audiovisual

equipmentinclassroomsandgeneralpubliclyaccessibleareas.

ISBN9780580679841

AudioandAcousticsStandards

AS/NZS 2107:2000 Acoustics – Recommended design sound levels and reverberation times for

buildinginteriors;

AS/NZSISO717.1:2004Acoustics–Ratingofsoundinsulationinbuildingsandofbuildingelements.

Part1:Airbornesoundinsulation

ANSI/INFOCOMM1M-2009:AudioCoverageUniformityinEnclosedListenerAreas

ISO22234:2005Cinematography—Relativeandabsolutesoundpressurelevelsformotion-picture

multi-channelsoundsystems—Measurementmethodsandlevelsapplicabletoanalogphotographic

filmaudio,digitalphotographicfilmaudioandD-cinemaaudio.

LightingStandards

AS/NZS 1680.2.1:2008 (as amended) Interior and workplace lighting - Specific applications -

Circulationspacesandothergeneralareas

AS/NZS1680.2.2:2008(asamended)Interiorandworkplacelighting-Specificapplications-Office

andscreen-basedtasks


Interiorandworkplacelighting-Specificapplications-Educationalandtrainingfacilities

ReferencedUniversityGuidelines

UTSDesignGuidelinesP-PO.01.09Section23–AudiovisualServices

GeneralReading

LectureTheatreServicesManagersGroup,ProvidingTeachingRoomServices–GoodPracticeand

Standards,JISCASSIST2009(unpublished);http://www.ltsmg.org.uk/FinalV42.htm(accessed

October18th2009)

AndrewCalovPresentation&TeachingFacilities2009:AVSEngineeringBriefpp1

DonDavis&EugenePatronis,Jr:SoundSystemEngineering3rdEd:p213MeasuringIntelligibility

SchoolAcoustics-BuildingBulletin93orBB93(UK)

https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/standard/publicationDetail/Page1/BB93



17 Definitions and Abbreviations

AETM Audiovisual&EducationalTechnologyManagementInc.

ANSI AmericanNationalStandardsInstitute

ANSILumensAstandardizedprocedurefortestingprojectorsestablishedbytheAmericanNational

Standards Institute, which involves averaging together several measurements taken at different

positions.Theluminousfluxofprojectorsthathavebeentestedaccordingtothisproceduremaybe

quotedin"ANSIlumens",todistinguishthemfromthosetestedbyothermethods.Themethodfor

measuring ANSI lumens is defined in the IT7.215 documentwhichwas created in 1992. First the

projector is set up to display an image in a room at a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. The

brightnessandcontrastof theprojectorareadjusted so thatona fullwhite field, it ispossible to

distinguishbetweena5%screenareablockof95%percentpeakwhite,and two identically sized

100%and90%peakwhiteboxesatthecentreofthewhitefield.Thelightoutputisthenmeasured

onafullwhitefieldatninespecificlocationsaroundthescreenandaveraged.Thisaverageisthen

multipliedbythescreenareatogivethebrightnessoftheprojectorin"ANSIlumens".

DefinitionadaptedfromWikipedia(documentretrieved15/10/090

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ANSI_Lumens

EWIS EmergencyWarningIntercommunicationSystem

ICIA International Communications Industry Association. An industry representation, training

andstandardsbodyfortheInternationalAudiovisualindustry.

Lux Aunitofilluminationperareaequalto1lumenpersquaremeter;0.0929footcandle.

ScreenGain Theabilityofascreentodirectincidentlighttoanaudience.Aflatmattewhitewall

hasthegainofapproximately1.Screenswithagainlessthan1attenuateincidentlight;screenswith

gainmore than1directmore incident light to theaudiencebuthaveanarrowviewingangle.For

example:animagereflectingoffa10gainscreenappears10timesbrighterthanitwouldifreflected

offamattewhitewall.Curvedscreensusuallyhavelargergainthanflatscreens.

http://ntdd2489.fm.netbenefit.co.uk/projection101/glossary/index.asp(retrieved15/10/2009)

ChristieDigitalSystems,Inc.

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