Video Wall Solution for an Emergency Operations Center

See our case study featured in Commercial Integrator and Sound and Video Contractor.

An emergency operations center in Southeastern PA reached out to Haverford Systems to enhance their response capabilities with AV technology. Collaborating with Datapath, a leading video solutions provider, we delivered a robust, adaptable solution. The result was an improved capacity for rapid response and effective crisis management.

Video walls in an emergency operations center

In response to recent global events, emergency response has become a central focus for both businesses and municipalities. There is an ongoing trend with operations centers seeking modern solutions that improve their interconnectivity. In the Philadelphia region, this means investing in advanced audiovisual solutions for control rooms of various sizes and scopes.

The Role of Video Walls in Emergency Operations

Video walls play a crucial role in bridging the gap between data and decision-making in emergency operations. This technology ensures that vital information is presented in a visually engaging manner, therefore improving situational awareness and response capabilities.

With multiple video sources to manage, dependable control room technology is essential for seamless operations in often mission-critical environments. R.T. Chalfant, Integration Sales Account Manager at Haverford Systems, explains: “Staying ahead in emergency response is not just a priority; it’s a necessity. As businesses and organizations strive to enhance their operational efficiency, the integration of cutting-edge technologies becomes a pivotal strategy.

He continues, “One such technology making waves in the emergency operations sector is video walls and video content management. Utilizing Datapath’s proven expertise in this sector, we can offer customers control room technology that is scalable for operations of any size.”

Scope of Work

Utilizing Datapath’s trusted WallControl 10 software, we created a video wall system that empowers operators to design their own content layouts. Users could then seamlessly switch between multiple inputs as circumstances and events demand.

Our scope of work included three 2×2 4K video walls, with eight operator terminals managing 20 4K and HD sources. To handle the vast volumes of video data with near-zero latency, we utilized Datapath’s VSN1172 video wall controller. This controller is an 11-slot unit powered by a Core i7 processor and 2 x 240GB SSDs.

Performing pixel duties inside the VSN, the unit is equipped with 5 x ImageDP4+ graphics cards, 5 x VisionSC-HD4 four-channel capture cards, plus a multichannel ActiveSQX IP decoder.

Partnership with Datapath

Datapath supported us to provide on-site service for our end user. “Working closely alongside Datapath’s integrator partners and their clients, our commissioning service offers the ultimate hands-on support,” says Peter Spaeth, Regional Sales Manager for Datapath, Northeast US and Mid-Atlantic. “Full training of the software is provided, and our comprehensive technical know-how is available for any initial system concerns. This level of assurance is a critical component in a control room environment during the first few days of operation.”

R.T. Chalfant concludes: “Datapath’s commissioning service gives us an advantage by directly benefiting our clients with the technology for their needs. Here at Haverford Systems, we have over 35 years of experience in delivering turnkey AV solutions and this latest emergency operations center is testament to ours and our manufacturer partners’ expertise. Operators now have total control, flexibility and reliability when viewing their video content – ensuring that the control room runs at optimum efficiency.”

Our relationship with Datapath and other partners ensures our customers benefit from access to the latest technologies and support services. By trusting Haverford Systems, emergency operations centers and government services can achieve control, flexibility, and reliability.