Transforming the Von Braun Center: Digital Signage Solutions Redefine Visitor Experience
Verta Technologies, Crimson AV, VITEC, and LG Electronics Partnered to Elevate Navigation, Event Information, and Advertising at Huntsville’s Premier Venue
Name of Project/Area: Von Braun Center https://www.vonbrauncenter.com
Location: Huntsville, AL
Start date: July 2024
Completion date: October 2024
Summary
The Von Braun Center (VBC), located in the heart of historic downtown Huntsville, Alabama, is a versatile facility named after rocket pioneer Dr. Wernher Von Braun. This premier venue hosts conferences, conventions, concerts, Broadway performances, and more, serving as a hub for both high-tech innovation and Southern hospitality.
In 2024, the VBC undertook a major transformation of its North Hall event space, incorporating state-of-the-art digital signage and wayfinding technologies. Verta Technologies, the trusted technology partner of VBC, spearheaded the integration project, leveraging digital signage solutions from Crimson AV, VITEC, and LG Electronics. Crimson’s durable wayfinding kiosks and LG’s high-brightness stretch displays now enhance visitor navigation, event information, and advertising opportunities, while also integrating seamlessly with the center’s broader digital signage and IPTV ecosystem from VITEC.
Challenge & Solutions
The VBC faced significant construction challenges as renovations were underway throughout the Center. These ongoing updates meant that kiosks and other installations had to be frequently unbolted and reinstalled to accommodate construction schedules.
Crimson AV’s Back-to-Back (KOFP55-BB-SAM) and Single Sided (KOFP55-SAM) outdoor kiosks offered the ideal solution. Their design made them easy to assemble, disassemble, and reassemble without compromising durability or functionality. According to Verta Technologies President, Christian Tuttle, “We had to unbolt/rebolt them down on many occasions as renovations occurred in the areas in/around kiosks. The kiosks are not only durable but sleek and sophisticated looking.”
These adaptable kiosks provided a reliable and visually appealing solution that could withstand the challenges of an active construction site.
An additional concern was that of futureproofing. The need to have a flexible and scalable solution is in the forefront of VBC’s vision. VITEC is uniquely positioned to offer their IPTV and digital signage solutions to leverage the VBC’s network to scale as they continue to grow and add spaces around their center.
The Technology
Crimson AV Kiosks:
- Models Used: KOFP55-BB-SAM & KOFP55-SAM
- Key Features:
- Supports Samsung 55” OHF displays in single sided and back-to-back portrait configurations.
- Options to integrate a camera, media player, router, and speakers.
- Supports IR touch overlay for interactive applications.
- Operates in extreme temperatures (-40°C to 50°C).
- Constructed with 14 GA. and 12 GA. high-impact steel for durability.
- Fully customizable with paint colors, decals, and wraps.
Applications:
These kiosks are versatile, making them ideal for outdoor malls, street kiosks, quick-service restaurants, hospitality venues, casinos, and more.
LG Electronics Stretch Displays:
- Deployed throughout the North Hall event space to provide wayfinding directions, event schedules, and advertising opportunities.
- Integrated seamlessly with Crimson kiosks to create a cohesive wayfinding and informational system.
VITEC IPTV Distribution and Digital Signage Solutions Can Assist a Large Events Center:
- Seamless IPTV Distribution for Event Attendees and Staff
- Efficient Live Streaming: VITEC’s system streams live TV and event-specific channels efficiently over the venue’s LAN, wireless network, or the internet, making live content accessible on any connected device.
- Scalable for Large Audiences: The system supports unlimited endpoints without bandwidth strain through IP multicast streaming, ensuring high-quality 4K video for attendees across the event center.
- Futureproof Flexibility: Easily scale the system by adding new TV sources or endpoints as the event center’s needs grow, without disrupting service or compromising performance.
- Dynamic Digital Signage to Enhance Guest Experience
- Engaging Content Delivery: The drag-and-drop interface allows the creation of visually appealing digital signage with videos, graphics, text, and RSS feeds. Ideal for promoting events, displaying schedules, or showcasing sponsor ads.
- Centralized Control: Manage all digital signage and IPTV systems from a single platform, ensuring seamless operation and quick updates.
- Targeted Messaging: Schedule and display tailored content at specific times and locations, ensuring the right message reaches the right audience.
- Revenue Opportunities: Dynamic menu boards and advertisements can boost revenue by promoting on-site concessions, merchandise, or sponsored content.
- Enhanced Operations and Guest Convenience
- Meeting Room Management: Display meeting room availability on central or room-specific screens, aiding in efficient space utilization.
- Useful Information Integration: Incorporate real-time updates such as weather, flight schedules, and news to keep attendees informed and engaged.
- Reliable and Secure: With modular design and content protection standards like HDCPv2, the system ensures uninterrupted service and secure video distribution.
By leveraging VITEC’s solutions, the VBC can optimize guest experience, streamline operations, and drive revenue through a flexible and scalable IPTV and digital signage platform.
Implementation
Verta Technologies managed the integration process, ensuring that the Crimson kiosks and LG stretch displays were strategically placed to maximize visibility and accessibility. Despite construction challenges, the modular design of the Crimson kiosks allowed for quick adjustments, ensuring the project stayed on schedule.
The North Hall installation is part of a larger digital signage initiative across the VBC campus, including video walls and IPTV services. The integration ensured that the new signage solutions complemented the existing technology infrastructure.
Although the VITEC solutions are unique to kiosks, controlling a network of content can be utilized across any display technology. This is especially significant in that as the VBC adds displays, the VITEC solutions ensures that regardless of technology, content control and distribution remains simple and effective.
Results/Impact
The VBC’s North Hall now features an enhanced visitor experience, with cutting-edge wayfinding and digital signage solutions that improve navigation and provide valuable event information. Additionally, the integration of advertising capabilities offers a new revenue stream for the Center.
Future plans include:
- Developing a user-friendly app to enhance navigation within the Center.
- Transitioning entirely to robust IPTV services to eliminate the need for cable boxes and offering considerable cost-savings over cable.
The VITEC solutions can scale to infinite dimensions on the BCS network. Along with this robust feature, the added repository structure and “Proof of Play” feature will allow the VBC to increase ad revenue profits as they grow their network.
This project highlights the power of Crimson AV’s durable and customizable kiosks, VITEC’s IPTV platform, LG Electronics’ high-performance displays, and Verta Technologies’ expertise in delivering seamless technology solutions. Together, they have transformed the VBC into a modern, high-tech venue ready to meet the demands of its diverse clientele.
Project Partners
- Verta Tech – https://verta.tech | @ verta-tech
- VITEC – https://www.vitec.com | Twitter: @Vitec_MM
- LG Displays
