James Hunt Library Installs First-of-Its-Kind Audio System with Dynamic Audia®/Nexia® Duo
Opening its doors in January 2013, the James B. Hunt, Jr. Library is North Carolina State University’s (NCSU) second main library, and is the intellectual and social hub of Centennial Campus. It is the primary library for faculty and students in engineering, textiles, and other science programs. Its inspiring learning spaces and state-of-the-art technologies make it a destination for students, faculty, and academic and professional partners from all disciplines.
The library houses a 400-seat auditorium, visualization labs used by both students and the U.S. Navy, 100 project/study rooms for students, gaming labs, a video production stage, reception and event spaces, a balcony overlooking a nearby lake, and a corporate wing that supports the corporations of the NCSU Centennial Campus. The automated book delivery system accommodates a two million-volume collection and significantly reduces the space needed for stacks.
SITUATION
When asked what they wanted in the new library, the faculty and students were clear on their desire for a 24/7, high tech facility to match the high tech campus. They wanted to be able to push the limits of what was technologically possible all day, everyday.
The primary challenge of this installation was accommodating the variety of audio spaces–from silence to surround sound–NCSU was trying to create, in addition to the single activity experiences that took place throughout the daily lifecycle of the building.
The audio solution also had to stand the test of time. The right audio technology would remain relevant throughout the building phase, and into the foreseeable future. With no model to follow for this highly flexible, cutting edge technological facility, NCSU had to partner with the right companies to bring their vision to life.
SOLUTION
Designed by the Sextant Group and implemented by AVI-SPL, the audio system for the Hunt Library included comprehensive audio/visual, acoustic, and IT design components. Brought into the project at the perfect time, the Sextant Group was able to design an audio system that met all the needs of the NCSU campus. Mark Valenti, President of the Sextant Group and Principal-in-Charge of the installation, decided the Audia and Nexia platforms were the right choice for the level of flexibility and control required of the DSP.
CONCLUSIONS
The multimedia integration of this five-story library was made possible by cutting edge design and build expertise, a visionary audio/video design team, and the generous support of the North Carolina legislature. It was clear from the beginning that the Hunt Library needed an audio system that was just as innovative and robust as the building itself. By choosing Biamp’s Audia and Nexia DSP platforms as the best solution to solve the complex challenges of the Library, the NCSU faculty and students have the library they’ve always wanted.
"If we could boil it down to one key thing that made us go with Biamp it was a price-performance ratio. As the technology leader in this arena, we knew we’d be able to do something really, really cool, cost-effectively, and with the right platform with Biamp. " - MARK VALENTI, THE SEXTANT GROUP
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
