Case Studies

Hall Solution

Early in 2007 Swanmead Middle School in Ilminster, Somerset, commissioned SMARTvisual to provide an electronic screen and ceiling mounted projector in the Assembly Hall.

The existing facility

The existing facility for presenting PowerPoint slide shows, showing DVDs and such applications, was rather cumbersome, consisting of a large portable screen on the stage which had to be assembled and collapsed before and after each use. A portable laptop, projector with extension leads and a trolley had to be wheeled in from a room behind the stage. It was not widely known how to connect the laptop to the existing sound system, so any sound accompanying the presentation was either through the laptop speakers or non existent, sometimes separate CD or tape sound accompaniment was provided through the existing sound system. The projector was positioned on a trolley on the floor of the hall, so any pupils who were on the stage had to endure a powerful light beam, the portable screen also tended to get in the way. Setting up before assemblies was usually a bit of a panic to make sure everything was in place and working, of course it all had to be put away afterwards!

The brief for the new facility

The school wished to improve the situation by having an integrated and easy to use system. It was important not to spoil the appearance of the hall by having trunking visible. We had seen a SMARTvisual solution in a brochure. The Head Teacher applied for and successfully received funding from the Ilminster Education Fund.

Smarteducation were asked to provide a solution. An initial visit assessed the possibilities and the solution was quickly conceived.

The completed solution

A projector was mounted to the ceiling with the cabling concealed above the ceiling and behind the stage wings making the overall solution more aesthetically pleasing. A panel for inputs was attached to the wall alongside the stage in a convenient location for connecting a laptop or other devices. The new installation was connected to the existing sound system integrating it with the existing hall speakers. An electronic drop down screen was installed above the stage, with the control switch located behind the stage wing adjacent to existing stage controls.

Overall impression of Smartvisual

We are impressed by how smoothly the whole process was managed by SMARTvisual. There were no problems at all. On completion of the installation everything worked as intended and more than exceeded our original brief.

The benefits of the new solution

What a difference the new system has made to assemblies! The new screen looks so smart! No more projector beams in the eye! It was in use from the first day. The school production benefited greatly from it, being able to include projected images with the normal song and dance. It has been used extensively in after school INSET as well as during the day. Community groups have also made use of it and will more so in the future. Money well spent!, and not a lot for what we got!

Rob McLaughlin
Director of Community & Resources
Swanmead Middle School, Ilminster