Auditing Firm Receives an AV Makeover

PRG-Schultz International, Inc., headquartered in Atlanta, GA, is a leading recovery auditing and profit improvement firm. With approximately 3,500 employees and offices in more than 40 countries, the publicly traded PRG-Schultz prides itself on recovering billions of dollars in overpayments, under-deductions, and other forms of disbursement transactions for a broad range of clients around the world.

In 2002, the Profit Recovery Group (PRG ) International merged with Howard Schultz & Associates to become PRG-Schultz International, Inc. To meet the demands of the newly formed company's growing clientele, they decided updates to their base of operations were needed.

The company's officers determined that the executive boardroom needed a new AV system to accommodate video and audio conferencing taking place with representatives and clients from around the world. Atlanta-based Multi Media Services, Inc. (MMS) was hired to provide a complete, turnkey solution that transformed the boardroom into a dynamic communications hub.

When Robert Aguirre, who handles integrated AV sales for MMS, walked into the boardroom, he could see that it "had major issues. The PRG-Schultz executives were very frustrated when they did videoconferencing and audio conferencing." A number of connectivity, switching, and control problems impeded the AV system's overall performance. Much of this stemmed from basic access and functionality difficulties, such as being able to plug in a laptop.

Hideaway® AV System Connections

In the middle of the 30'x 53' executive boardroom is a 33-foot long sycamore table valued at more than $50,000. It is fabricated in seven sections and seats 26 executives. According to Aguirre, the executives at PRG-Schultz "wanted a pop-up device in the table that they could plug into for networking and making presentations." With that in mind, Aguirre sought a solution that blended in seamlessly with the table surface, while accommodating simple control and connectivity. He chose the Extron HSA 402 Hideaway Surface Access enclosure.

"The HSA 402 gives executives the opportunity to walk in the room and plug in their laptop, right at the table," Aguirre said. "They have a CAT 5 connection, they have power, they have a VGA signal, and they can access the network."

To connect with the AV system, the user simply presses down on the top of the HSA 402 enclosure to release a mechanical latch. From there, the HSA 402 pivots into view and the connectors are presented at a 49° angle to the tabletop.

There is an AC outlet and two RJ-45 network/data/phone connectors on each side of the HSA 402's faceplate. This enables simultaneous connection of two laptop computers. Four single space Extron Architectural Adapter Plate (AAP) openings are in the center faceplate. In the PRG-Schultz boardroom, the AAP openings of each HSA 402 are populated with a double space Extron Extender AAP module that functions as a one input VGA-QXGA line driver with audio. Below that is a double space blank plate, pending future upgrades. "At some point, that space is probably going to be filled with another VGA connector to accommodate a white board," Aguirre said.

Initially, 25 HSA 400s were to be installed, one for each seat at the table. However, Aguirre proposed a more economical solution that would still allow easy access for everyone. "We realized if we positioned HSA 402s in between the seats, it would free up the space in front of each person."

Aguirre determined 13 HSA 402s would do the job. "We installed 12 of them to fit in between two people, for a total of 24 access points," he explained. "We also installed one more at the head of the table."

The head of the table also features a touch-screen LCD display, enabling full control of computer-video and composite video signals, lighting, videoconferencing, audio amplification, and the distribution of video signals to seven other conference rooms on six floors of the building.

Cutting holes in an expensive table like the one in PRG-Schultz's executive boardroom leaves little margin for error. Fortunately, Extron offers a router template (free-of-charge) which aides in preparing tables and other flat surfaces for the installation of architectural products such as the Hideaway.

"We decided to have the manufacturers of the table do the cutting," Aguirre said. "We sent them the router template and that made all the difference. Without it, they would have been very apprehensive about cutting holes in the table."

Aguirre and his team also addressed sound reinforcement issues within the boardroom. Speakers were installed in the ceiling and walls to accommodate both distributed and program audio systems. An acoustical surface fabric was added to match the room's suede leather wallpaper. And boundary-layer microphones were mounted on the table - one conveniently placed in front of each HSA 402.

Signal Distribution

To route and distribute the numerous computer-video, video, and audio signals, Aguirre turned to the Extron CrossPoint 124 matrix switcher.

"The CrossPoint 124 was chosen for its reliability, bandwidth, and functionality," Aguirre said. "It allows us to switch any of the HSA 402s to the projection screen and send feeds to all seven conference rooms."

An Extron SWP123 presentation switcher was added to supplement the VGA input from the thirteenth HSA 402. As a three-in-one, multi-format switcher compatible with composite video, S-video, stereo audio, as well as VGA signals, Aguirre mentioned that the SWP123 is also future-ready if more inputs, regardless of signal type, are ever needed.

Improved Conferencing Capabilities

According to David Cook, Vice President of Corporate Administration for PRG-Schultz, the AV system has "truly surpassed our expectations. Our board members and visitors have commented on the sound quality and ease in operating the HSA 402 enclosures."

For more information on Multi Media Services, Inc., see them on the Web at http://www.mmsav.com .

To learn about PRG-Schultz International, Inc., see http://www.prgx.com .