Norfolk Academy is a private school located in Norfolk, Virginia that serves the 1st through 12th grades. Norfolk Academy first adopted Synergy16 in 1995. However, the lack of expandability led the staff to seek upgrade opportunities. Their search led them to Realm Control Corp. and the facility was upgraded to Phoenix in August of 2003.

Ed Patterson, the Media Director at Norfolk Academy, demonstrates Phoenix to a teacher.

The Upgrade

Prior to the visit to Norfolk Academy, their existing functionality was duplicated within the Phoenix32 NetLinx code and the 16-bit database was converted to the Phoenix32 format. While at the facility, various bug fixes were implemented and several tweaks and some "wish list" items were implemented as well. Validation was performed by Shane Burke and Ed Patterson, the Director of Media Distribution and Software Support Specialist. Following the upgrade, Norfolk Academy was able to enjoy the new capabilities of their control system, including the web client and the 260 MIP processor (as opposed to the 3 MIP AXcess processor that was used previously).

Specifics

Phoenix helps to seamlessly integrate media into classroom presentations.

Norfolk Academy uses Phoenix to automate the distribution and control of media content to approximately 80 rooms throughout the campus. Head End sources include DVD Players, Laser Disc Players, VCRs, and satellite receivers. Control of Head End media devices is accomplished either by the Phoenix32 web client, the AMX CT5 handheld remote control, or the Client32 application. Distribution is accomplished via an RF network. Phoenix manages the power states and tuning of the devices in all controlled destinations.

Norfolk Academy is the first facility to use the new web client scheduling capabilitiesthat are now available via Phoenix, as well as improvements to the context-sensitive controls available via the web client. Other features used by Norfolk Academy include the Event Play List, the VTI-6 character generator, and a campus A/V paging system.

Conclusion

Realm Control Corp. would like to thank the staff at Norfolk Academy for choosing us to upgrade their facility. Special thanks go out to Ed Patterson and Mark Grochmal. If you would like to contact Ed to discuss the upgrade and the performance of Phoenix, please first contact Realm Control Corp. at info@RealmCtrl.com and we will provide Ed's information.

Special thanks also go out to Dynamic Systems Integration for providing the AMX NetLinxä hardware and on-site support. Dynamic Systems Integration is a leader in the design, installation, training and ongoing support of integrated Voice, Video, and Data Communications Systems.