Reflex Newsletter - December 2010
Contents:
- Fantastic Video Conferencing packages – exclusive to Reflex
- Reflex is re-appointed as supplier to University Purchasing Consortia
- Technobooths aid collaboration at City University
- World's largest plasma screen installed at University College London
- University Workshop in fifth year
- Audio training 11th January University of Bath
For further information on these exclusive packages please contact Dave Chapman on: 0118 931 3611 or email: davec@reflex.co.uk Reflex is re-appointed as supplier to University Purchasing Consortia 
We are delighted to report that Reflex has been re-selected as a preferred AV integrator to London Universities Purchasing Consortium, Southern Universities Purchasing Consortium, Higher Education Purchasing Consortium Wales and Value Wales (Public Sector Wales). We are one of the preferred suppliers under LOT 2 'Design, Supply & Install' and have been selected as the top ranked integrator for LOT 3 'Broadcast Systems'. The Higher Education sector has become key for us, with business growing from £500k in 2006 to £5.5m per annum this year. Of this, 75% is repeat business. Our MD Roland Dreesden believes there are several reasons for this. "Over the last four years we have created six formal 'Preferred Supplier' agreements, where we partner with the University and become their second arm for AV design, install and support. We've invested heavily in good quality Project Management, in-house Programmers, dedicated Installation Engineers as well as a Technical Design team." Reflex strives to build two-way communications with customers, regularly holding workshops, technology days and training sessions. They are constantly looking ahead, addressing issues such as sustainability and ensuring they are focusing on relevant technologies. For example, with the lines between AV and IT becoming increasingly blurred, Reflex has created a new role of ‘AV Network Product Specialist' to focus on IT elements that exist within AV, such as Gateways and Bridges, right through to Digital Signage. Other recent developments include the launch of ‘Video Doctor'*, a free advice service that covers video conferencing, video streaming and lecture capture. "All these elements demonstrate our drive to listen to the customer and respond to their needs," says Roland. "I'm looking forward to working closely with existing customers, as well as building some new relationships over the coming three years." *To contact the Video Doctor regarding any video communication enquiries please email: videodoctor@reflex.co.uk Technobooths aid collaboration at City University |
|||||||
|
Reflex and City University London have had a strong working relationship stretching back to 2007, with Reflex being a preferred supplier to the University. As part of a major £2.3 million refurbishment of two levels of the library, Reflex installed eight Technobooths. Each seats 4-6 students and provides the latest technology to help with project and presentation work. Requirements As part of the refurbishment, City wanted to find a way of using technology to enhance student learning and enable them to work collaboratively on projects in a simple and accessible way. The University came up with the Technobooth concept and Reflex liaised directly with City to turn the concept into a project plan. Solution The Booths comprise of benched seating surrounding a rectangular table which has a Wolfvision Eye-12 camera pointing down from above. A 32" LCD screen mounted at one end displays output from the camera or the PC built into the seating area. There are also VGA and audio inputs and all sources can be selected and adjusted using a Crestron control panel mounted beneath the screen. The PC can be used to capture still images from the Wolfvision camera which are easily distributed by the students. The live image can also be streamed to another room or Booth so that work can be shared or can be saved for later distribution. It allows for the capture of paper based content in addition to digital work completed on the PC. Accessibility was achieved in the form of a DDA compliant height for the table to allow access for any students using a wheelchair. The Technobooths take advantage of the networking capacity of the cameras to provide a direct link between students and the University's online resources. Results Toki Akintokun, Information Services Project Manager said "The main objective from a project perspective was to assist Information Services and Libraries in the design and implementation of new technologies which would assist students in their approach to learning. We feel that Reflex worked closely with us to achieve this." Student comments regarding the Technobooths include:- "It's really useful because of the group work" "With a huge screen you can sit in a team and work on projects" "Really helpful for working in groups" Click here to see more case studies. |
||||||
World's largest plasma screen installed at University College London
Reflex were contracted by UCL to install new screen technology and a brand new Bose sound system in one of the University's iconic lecture halls, the Gustave Tuck Lecture Theatre. They partnered with PSCo, the leading expert in the distribution of large screen technology. Reflex Project Manager Kevin Southwell explains, "The Gustave Tuck Theatre is a very traditional building with great historical significance to the University, and as such we needed to upgrade the screen and sound system without compromising the building's unique character. "The screen is encased by an original wooden framework from the 1920's, a beautiful and historically valuable part of the room that the University did not want to remove. We had to ensure that the 103" fitted into the dimensions of this framework, and be very careful during the installation of the screen not to cause any damage." Reflex's knowledge and experience in the industry means we are able to make cutting edge technology available in any environment, while remaining sensitive to architectural and functional requirements. Our strong relationships with other organisations such as PSCo mean we can partner with relevant companies to give our customers the very best service possible. Click here for further details on the Panasonic 103" Plasma. University Workshop in fifth year
The Workshop is always popular because it's a two-way communication. Universities can tell us what they need and what their issues are, which is vital information as it's such an important market to us. We can then share with the Universities how we can help solve those issues. There will be complimentary drinks and networking opportunities after the Workshop. Stuart Davies Vice Chair of SCHOMS, Chair of the AV section of HEPCW and Audio Visual Services Manager of University of Wales, Newport reinforces the importance of ISE to the Higher Education Market. "I believe ISE to be the number one AV event in Europe. It gives delegates the opportunity to network and meet with manufacturers to view the latest Audio Visual technologies". To book your place onto the Reflex University Workshop 2011 please contact Roland Dreesden on: 0118 975 4648 or email: rolandd@reflex.co.uk. Audio training 11th January University of Bath
|
|||||||
Reflex and PSCo have installed the world's largest plasma screen, a 103" Panasonic screen, into a lecture hall at University College London as part of a wider facilities upgrade.
Our popular University Workshop will again take place at (Integrated Systems Europe) ISE in Amsterdam. Any University visitor attending ISE is vey welcome to join us at the workshop on the 2nd Feb 2011 at 15:30 – 17:30 with drinks after. 
