Commercial Integrator July 2022 - 27

2022 INTEGRATION AWARDS K-12
Ford AV: Davis School District
CI's 2018 Integrator of the Year Ford AV helps the second largest school district in Utah
with a state-of-the-art video production studio. By Alyssa Borelli
ONE WAY TO PREPARE the next generation
of AV experts is to expose them to the
technology in school. That was the goal
of the Davis School District, the second
largest school district in Utah, as it aimed
to construct a state-of-the-art video and
audio production studio for students. The
district contracted with Oklahoma Citybased
Ford AV to design and install student
video and audio production spaces
for its new Career and Technical Education
School called the Catalyst Center.
The project includes a state-of-the-art
video production studio with a 20-foot (W)
x 10-foot (H) curved LED (1.58 MM pixel
pitch) virtual production screen, with camera
motion tracking and focus integration
using Unreal Engine, LED studio lighting, a
video control room, separate audio-for-video
control room and screening room to
review the students' finished projects.
For audio production, the facility
includes one primary recording suite, four
editing suites, one Foley stage, one editing
computer training lab and additional extensive
video and audio production gear.
Getting the Contract
The Davis School District reached out to
Ford AV in April of 2021 as one of several
integrators holding a state purchasing
contract for AV services with the state of
Utah. About 15 school officials were invited
to participate in the proposal interviews
and Ford AV sent their local sales manager,
project manager, and chief sales engineer
to make a presentation.
The School District members were
impressed with the passion of Ford AV. One
thing the national integration firm's team
did differently from other bidders was visit
the construction site of the new school
before their interview with the client, which
was not done by the other integrators.
Ultimately, Ford AV was chosen and invited
commercialintegrator.com
to provide the design and installation for
the $1.2 million project.
The Catalyst Center
The Catalyst Center is a technical high
school for the Davis District in Kaysville,
Utah. The district had a vision for a production
space for its students that would allow
them to experience and utilize technology
to prepare them for careers in the video
and audio production industry. The Catalyst
Center has close ties with local businesses
and industry, and shares its resources providing
students with real-life opportunities
to learn, practice and showcase their video
and audio production skills.
Addressing the Challenges
Timelines were very short, especially with
supply chain shortages, but Ford immediately
engaged and began providing
design direction as well as ordering
equipment. A few design shifts from the
architect's original plans were necessary
but Ford put in place a detailed plan to
get the project implemented within the
customer's timeframe.
For example, the lighting that had been
specified for the video studio was appropriate
for live performances but not for a video
production environment. Ford ensured that
the correct lighting grid and lighting fixtures
for the space were provided and installed.
Despite the fact that Ford was contracted
directly by the School District, constant coordination
was necessary with the architect,
the general contractor and other construction
trades on the job site.
Ford's Job Superintendent and Project
Manager communicated effectively, ensuring
seamless progress was made. Ford also
ensured that an ample amount of manpower
resources with appropriate expertise
were applied to the project, ensuring Ford's
portion of the installation would be comThe
project includes a state-of-the-art video
production studio with a 20-foot (W) x 10foot
(H) curved LED (1.58 MM pixel pitch)
virtual production screen, with camera
motion tracking and focus integration using
Unreal Engine, LED studio lighting, a video
control room, separate audio for video
control room and screening room to review
the students' finished projects.
plete and school instructors trained in time
for classes to begin on January 19, 2022.
The Davis School District could not be
more pleased with Ford's design and installation.
Tours of the Catalyst Center are
conducted on a weekly basis, receiving
much interest from other school districts
nationwide and from businesses and
industry members alike.
Equipment Highlights
Absen A2715 Plus Series 1.58 MM
pixel pitch display AJA 12GSDI to
HDMI2.0 converter Apantac SDI
to HDMI/DVI converter Clear-Com
headset JBL subwoofer LG displays
Sony Bravia 4k UHD
JULY 2022 Commercial Integrator 27
http://www.commercialintegrator.com
Commercial Integrator July 2022

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